President Vladimir Putin vowed to defend Russia's interests after state accounts and property were reportedly blocked in Belgium and France over legal claims from shareholders of former energy giant Yukos.

"We will defend our interests by the route of justice," said Putin.

"Our position is clear: Russia does not recognise the authority of this court," he added, in reference to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which had ruled that Moscow should repay Yukos shareholders $50 billion in compensation over the company's collapse.