
MOSCOW, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Russia could use the navy to prevent European powers seizing its vessels and may retaliate against European shipping if Russian vessels are seized, Nikolai Patrushev, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin was quoted as saying on Tuesday,
"If we don't give them a tough rebuff, then soon the British, French and even the Balts will become arrogant to such an extent that they will try to block our country's access to the seas at least in the Atlantic basin," Nikolai Patrushev, a Kremlin aide and chairman of Russia's Maritime Board.