A senior Russian official has warned that Moscow could deploy its navy to prevent European powers from seizing Russian vessels and may retaliate against European shipping if such actions continue.

NATO regularly practices combat scenarios with Russia during military exercises, Russian Presidential Aide and Chairman of the Naval Collegium Nikolai Patrushev said, News.Az reports citing Lenta.Ru .

Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Nikolai Patrushev as an aide along with long-term ally Alexei Dyumin while raising his economic adviser, Maxim Oreshkin, to the job of deputy chief of staff, the Kremlin said on Tuesday, News.Az reports citing Reuters.