PNN – During a visit to the final stage of the Russian Pacific Fleet’s military exercises, the Russian President issued a stern warning regarding Western actions against Russian ships.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; citing RT Arabic, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that the country would retaliate against any attempt to seize Russian commercial vessels.
During his visit today, Wednesday, to the final stage of the Russian Pacific Fleet’s military exercises, Putin stated: Officials in certain countries—in violation of international maritime law—are attempting to restrict the movement of our commercial vessels, specifically civilian ships; recently, they have even contemplated seizing our vessels and selling off our confiscated assets. Clearly, this amounts to nothing less than piracy and banditry. Should this be put into practice, we will be compelled to respond in kind.
He added that Moscow would take this step in any maritime region—including the Pacific, where the potential for conflict is rising due to Western actions. NATO has encroached upon this region, new military-political blocs are being formed, and new weapons systems are being deployed or are slated for deployment there, posing a threat to Russia.
The Russian President emphasized that his country never threatens Japan and harbors no claims against it. Yet, for the first time, Tokyo has designated Moscow as one of its primary threats in its doctrinal documents.
Putin also noted that Japan has imposed sanctions on Russia in connection with the Ukraine conflict, without addressing its root causes. He stated: We also wish to understand Japan’s position—a position mentioned during the report by the Pacific Fleet commander—regarding our neighbor, a country that imposed sanctions on Russia citing events in Ukraine, yet without addressing the root causes of a conflict that we had done nothing to provoke.
According to him, Russia is prepared to cooperate in the Arctic region—including on the Northern Sea Route—within the framework of international law.
Putin also noted that the Pacific Fleet’s exercises are essential for maintaining combat readiness and ensuring security, and that the fleet’s forces are fully executing their assigned tasks.
Addressing the sailors aboard the Varyag, Putin stated: Such exercises are vital for maintaining the fleet’s combat readiness, protecting our country’s interests and security in the Asia-Pacific region, and enhancing Russia’s overall military presence there. This work must be carried out by incorporating the experience gained from the special operation.
He added that the fleet is fully capable of carrying out its assigned duties within its area of responsibility—tasks that are becoming increasingly important, particularly given the evolving situation in the region.
The Russian President stated that the likelihood of conflict in the Asia-Pacific region is rising due to the encroachment of NATO forces. New weapons systems are being deployed—or are slated for deployment—in the area, a development that poses a threat to Russia.
Putin indicated that he would issue directives regarding the expansion of the Pacific Fleet.
On Wednesday, the Russian President observed the final phase of the military exercises from the deck of the missile cruiser Varyag. Putin was wearing the dark blue military uniform standard for Russian naval vessels, bearing the insignia of the country’s Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The exercises, focused on defending maritime borders, islands, and coastal areas in the Russian Far East, have been underway since August 4.
These drills are considered the Pacific Fleet’s primary operational and combat readiness event of the year.