12.08.2026 21:00
Russian President Vladimir Putin said they would respond to the European Union's seizure of Russian commercial ships, stating, "We will respond where we see fit. I have instructed the Russian Ministry of Defense on this matter." He also noted that the potential for conflict in the Asia-Pacific region is increasing, adding, "Japan has territorial claims against our country."
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, the administrative center of the Sakhalin region in the country's east.
WORE MILITARY UNIFORM
Putin, who watched the final stage of the military exercise of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet here, met with fleet commanders on the cruiser "Varyag."
Pacific Fleet Commander Viktor Liina briefed Putin, who wore a Navy uniform, on the tasks being carried out.
"THE POTENTIAL FOR CONFLICT IN THIS REGION IS INCREASING"
In his speech here, Putin touched on the situation in the Asia-Pacific region, saying, "The potential for conflict in this region is increasing. NATO is infiltrating here. Military-political blocs are being formed here, and new weapons systems that pose a threat to our country are being deployed."
Putin noted that tension is being provoked regarding the use of the Northern Sea Route in the Arctic region, pointing out that there are enough problems in that region.
Stating that Russia is open to cooperation in the Arctic within the framework of international maritime law, Putin said that China, India, and other friendly countries want to work with Russia on this issue.
"JAPAN HAS TERRITORIAL CLAIMS AGAINST OUR COUNTRY"
Putin said that Japan is imposing "unfounded" sanctions against Russia due to the situation in Ukraine, stating, "We want to understand Japan's approach. For the first time, Japan has designated Russia as a threat source in its military doctrine. We do not threaten Japan. We have absolutely no complaints against Japan. On the contrary, Japan has territorial claims against our country. I mean the Kuril Islands."
Stating that this issue is a reality that emerged as a result of World War II and is recorded in international documents, Putin emphasized that Russia is ready to find a solution to this problem.
Putin noted that the former Soviet Union signed the declaration that led to a peace treaty with Japan, but Japan abandoned compliance with the declaration, saying, "After a while, Russia, upon the request of the Japanese government, resumed dialogue to find ways to reach a peace treaty, but now we see that Japan's position has changed."
Vladimir Putin underlined that for this reason, they will continue to develop and modernize the Pacific Fleet.
"WE WILL RESPOND TO THE SEIZURE OF RUSSIAN SHIPS BY EU COUNTRIES"
Evaluating the EU's actions regarding Russian commercial ships, Putin stated: "We see that some countries, violating international maritime law, are trying to restrict the navigation of our ships engaged in economic activities. Recently, they are even planning to seize our ships and sell the goods they stole from us. This is, of course, nothing but piracy and robbery. If this practice begins to be implemented, we will have to respond. We will respond where we deem appropriate. I have instructed the Russian Ministry of Defense on this matter."
Putin said Russia is open to mutually acceptable compromises for neighboring countries regarding ensuring Russia's security.
Source: AA / IHA