Putin Visits Russian Far East, Claims NATO Is Infiltrating Asia-Pacific and Criticizes Japan

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that the Western military alliance, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is posing a threat to Russia by "infiltrating" the Asia-Pacific region.

According to TASS news agency, Putin visited Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in Russia's Far East, close to Japan, on August 12 (local time) and stated, "Unfortunately, we are witnessing a growing potential for conflict here," adding, "NATO is infiltrating this region, and new military and political blocs are being formed."

He continued, "New weapon systems are being deployed here, and plans for deployment are being made, which poses a threat to our country."

Putin did not specify which NATO weapon systems are being deployed.

Regarding Japan, which participates alongside South Korea as an Indo-Pacific partner country of NATO, Putin expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "Japan has imposed unilateral sanctions against Russia without properly grasping the root causes of the Ukraine situation."

In particular, Putin pointed out that the Japanese cabinet led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi mentioned in its defense white paper released earlier this month the possibility of a situation similar to the invasion of Ukraine occurring in East Asia, citing the military close ties between Russia, North Korea, and China.

Putin further claimed, "We are not threatening Japan," and "We do not make any territorial claims against Japan."

At the same time, referring to the situation where Japan calls the four Kuril Islands controlled by Russia since World War II the "Northern Territories" and disputes sovereignty over them, he dismissed it by saying, "This is a reality that emerged after World War II, and it is stipulated in international documents."

Putin also said, "We have developed constructive relations with various Japanese leaders, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who tragically passed away. Former Prime Minister Abe put a lot of effort into bringing the two countries closer and coordinating positions," adding, "The changes in the positions of the two countries now are not caused by our actions."

This is interpreted as a repeated expression of his displeasure with the current Takaichi cabinet.

While noting that "tensions are also escalating in the Arctic region regarding the use of the Northern Sea Route (NSR)," Putin left open the possibility of expanding cooperation, stating, "Countries that want to cooperate with us, especially friendly nations like China and India, are discussing these issues with us."

Raising his voice regarding the recent increase in cases where European countries seize vessels suspected of belonging to Russia's "shadow fleet," Putin said, "Some countries are violating international maritime law to restrict the peaceful navigation of our ships," calling it "a clear act of piracy and robbery."

Putin warned, "If several European Union (EU) countries implement their decision to seize Russian ships and sell the confiscated goods, we will have no choice but to take corresponding measures," adding, "Wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate, including within the operational responsibility zone of the Pacific Fleet."

In connection with this, Admiral Viktor Liina, commander of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet, who reported to Putin on this day, emphasized, "We have the capability to detain vessels belonging to the secret fleets of hostile countries," and "We are ready to respond to challenges."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.