YUZHNO-SAKHALINSK, August 12. /TASS/. Moscow will retaliate if Western countries seize Russian commercial vessels, President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces Vladimir Putin said.

"If these plans are put into practice, we will have to respond in kind," he warned. Putin emphasized that it wasn’t just about the areas where Russian vessels could be seized "but wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate – anywhere, including in the Pacific Fleet’s area of responsibility."

Addressing Russian sailors, Putin asked them to pay special attention to the matter. "The relevant instruction has already been issued to the Defense Ministry and the Pacific Fleet command has been informed of it, so I will be awaiting proposals in this regard," the head of state said.

Putin stressed that while Russia aimed to bolster national security, it remained ready to seek mutually acceptable compromises with its neighbors and friends. "We are ready to do that based on respect for mutual interests," he pointed out.