Putin warns of symmetrical response to confiscation of Russian vessels
Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a firm warning this Wednesday, stating that his country will respond symmetrically to the seizure of vessels belonging to its merchant fleet by the European Union and other Western powers. The leader described these actions as acts of piracy and looting, emphasizing that Moscow reserves the right to act in any area it deems appropriate.
The statement was made during an official visit to the missile cruiser ‘Varyag’, the flagship of the Pacific Fleet, where Putin oversaw naval maneuvers in the Far East. During his speech, the Russian leader emphasized that the measures taken by some Western governments violate international maritime law by attempting to limit the free transit of civilian economic operators.
We will be obliged to respond symmetrically. And not only in the same seas where they plan their attacks, but wherever we consider it necessary and appropriate, anywhere, including the area of responsibility of the Pacific Fleet.
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia
Military preparation and tension in the Pacific
For his part, Admiral Viktor Liina, commander of the Pacific Fleet, assured the leader that the naval forces under his command are fully capable of intercepting vessels from nations considered unfriendly, confirming that the fleet is ready to execute these types of missions if necessary.
Putin took the opportunity to highlight the importance of naval exercises in the region, which, as he indicated, incorporate the lessons learned by the Russian army during the conflict in Ukraine. The Russian president also expressed his concern regarding the increased NATO presence in the Asia-Pacific, arguing that the deployment of new weapons systems in the area represents a direct threat to Russia’s national security.
Relations with Japan under scrutiny
The president also referred to the diplomatic tensions with Japan, criticizing the imposition of sanctions by Tokyo in the context of the conflict in Ukraine. Putin reiterated that Russia does not maintain a hostile stance toward the Asian country, despite the fact that Japan has labeled Russia as one of its main threats within its military doctrine.
- Putin described the seizure of Russian vessels as a direct violation of maritime law.
- The Kremlin maintains that the Pacific Fleet has full operational capacity to protect its interests.
- The Russian leader defended sovereignty over the Kuril Islands, based on the agreements resulting from World War II.
Finally, Putin recalled that, eight decades after the end of the Second World War, Russia and Japan still maintain pending territorial disputes and have not managed to formalize a definitive peace treaty, which keeps bilateral ties in a state of constant friction.
