MOSCOW, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Embassy in London has labeled Britain's intention to detain Russian vessels as "piracy," RIA Novosti reported on Thursday.
Russia will use all means, including asymmetric ones, to protect its interests, according to a statement from the embassy.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had earlier authorized armed forces and law enforcement officers to board "shadow fleet" vessels transiting the country's waters and to interdict vessels sanctioned by the country, according to a press release from 10 Downing Street.
The move came after the Royal Navy supported allies in monitoring and tracking "shadow fleet" ships in recent weeks, the British government said, as it seeks to step up its pressure on Russia.
The Russian Embassy emphasized that countries currently in dire need of energy resources will be the first to suffer from such actions.
"Such actions have consequences. Navigation in British waters is becoming unsafe, where any vessel could be hijacked," the diplomatic mission added. ■