Russian President — Supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin took part in the final stage of the Pacific Fleet exercises. On board the Varyag Guards missile cruiser, he heard the report of the commander of the Pacific Fleet, Viktor Liina.
"Such events as the one we are currently discussing, exercises, are needed both to maintain the combat readiness of the fleet, and to protect the interests of our country and its security in the Asia-Pacific region as a whole. And to improve the entire military component of Russia in this region, including taking into account the experience of a special military operation," Putin said.
As the president noted, Russia will mirror the West's response to the seizure of its merchant ships not only in the same waters, but also anywhere in the world ocean, including in the Pacific Ocean.:
"I would like to draw attention to the decisions of the European Union that took place recently. We see that the authorities of some countries, in violation of international maritime law, are trying to restrict the movement of vessels of our economic operators. And recently we thought of the possibility of seizing our ships and selling the property looted from us. Of course, this is nothing but piracy and robbery. And if this starts to be implemented in practice, we will have to respond in a mirror way."
"This will not necessarily happen in the same waters where raids on Russian vessels are planned. — And where we ourselves deem it necessary and expedient, in any place, including in the area of responsibility of the Pacific Fleet."
Putin, addressing the Russian sailors, asked to pay attention to this:
"Such an instruction has already been given to the Ministry of Defense, I know that it has been brought to the command of the Pacific Fleet, and I would also like to report proposals on this matter."
Putin added that Russia is strengthening its security, but in general is always ready to find mutual compromises acceptable to its neighbors and friends.
"We are ready to do this on the basis of taking into account mutual interests," he assured.
The main theses from Putin's statement:
— NATO is seeping into the Pacific region, the conflict potential is growing here
— Japan has imposed unprovoked sanctions against Russia, without going into the causes of the conflict on Ukraine
— Proposals on the development of the Pacific Fleet will be supported. Relevant instructions will be given to the Ministry of Defense and To the Government of the Russian Federation
— Russia is ready to cooperate with all neighbors, including Japan
— Russia, strengthening its security, is always ready to find compromises acceptable to our neighbors