Putin dons naval uniform to issue fresh threats to the West – video

Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin, who has arrived on Sakhalin Island to observe the final stage of Russian Pacific Fleet exercises, has declared that Russia faces threats in the region and issued a fresh round of threats.

Source: Russian propaganda agencies TASS, RIA Novosti and Interfax

Details: Putin is reported to have arrived in the city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and subsequently boarded the Varyag missile cruiser.

Quote from Putin: "We see that here, unfortunately, the potential for conflict is growing. NATO is penetrating the region, new military-political blocs are being established, and new weapons systems that pose a threat to Russia are being deployed and planned for deployment."

Details: Putin also said that "tension is being stoked in the neighbouring Arctic zone over the use of the Northern Sea Route".

He added that the Pacific Fleet marines fighting in the war in Ukraine "are acting boldly and professionally" and claimed that "there are no combat missions that the Pacific Fleet marines cannot carry out".

He also noted that Japan has imposed sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, but claimed that Russia "does not threaten Japan" and that "Moscow has no issues with Tokyo".

"Japan has claims against Russia regarding the Kuril Islands, although they are enshrined as belonging to Russia in international documents as realities following World War II," Putin stated.

He also threatened that "Russia will respond in kind if Western countries seize Russian merchant vessels".

"Russia will respond to the seizure of its merchant vessels in kind not only in the same waters, but anywhere, including in the Pacific Ocean," the Kremlin ruler said.

Pacific Fleet Commander Viktor Liina declared that Russian forces have all the assets and personnel required to "inspect vessels of unfriendly countries".

"We have conducted a detailed analysis of maritime traffic in the Asia-Pacific region. We know the routes, what is being carried, and whose ships they are. We have the forces to inspect and detain vessels of unfriendly states and their shadow fleet. Interagency coordination has been organised and we are ready to begin carrying out these tasks," Liina informed Putin.

Background: It was earlier reported that Russia has installed additional anti-drone netting on its submarines at a naval base in the Pacific Ocean, more than 7,000 km from Ukraine, satellite imagery shows.

Your support on Patreon helps us keep the news free and accessible.