Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened retaliatory measures after the European Union allowed its member states to sell oil and other cargoes confiscated from vessels of the Russian shadow fleet. Speaking during a trip to the Far East, Putin described the actions of European countries as "piracy and banditry" and stated that Moscow would respond in kind. "We will have to respond with similar measures," he said, adding that Russia would act "where it deems necessary and appropriate." The statement was prompted by new EU sanctions adopted last month. They allow EU states to sell oil and other cargoes seized from vessels detained for violating the sanctions regime while transporting Russian oil. According to Ukrainian and Western media, Sweden, following a recent court decision, intends to transfer to Ukraine a Russian vessel confiscated in the Baltic Sea, which previously transported grain from the occupied territory of Ukraine to Syria.