Putin warns of retaliation over Russian vessel seizures

Russian President Vladimir Putin has used Pacific Fleet drills to criticise Japan, NATO and possible Western moves against Russian commercial ships. He made the comments during his first visit to Iturup, a Japan-claimed island at the end of the Kuril chain near the island of Hokkaido.

Putin said Moscow would respond “in kind” if Western countries moved to seize Russian-operated commercial vessels, warning that Russia could act wherever it considered necessary.

Speaking during the final stage of Russian Pacific Fleet drills, Putin said some countries were trying to restrict what he called the peaceful passage of vessels operated by Russian companies, in violation of international maritime law.

“This is outright piracy and plunder. If such plans begin to be implemented in practice, we will be forced to respond in kind,” Putin said, according to remarks carried by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Telegram and the Kremlin.

He added that Russia would not necessarily respond in the same waters where raids on its ships were planned, but “wherever we ourselves deem it necessary and appropriate,” including within the Pacific Fleet’s area of responsibility.

Japan and regional tensions

Putin also singled out Japan, saying Moscow wanted to understand Tokyo’s position after Japan imposed sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine. He said Russia did not threaten Japan and had “absolutely no claims” against it.

“On the contrary, it is Japan that has territorial claims against our country,” Putin said, referring to the Kuril Islands dispute.

Japan has long claimed the Russian-administered islands it calls the Northern Territories. The dispute has been running for decades which prevented the two countries from signing a formal World War II peace treaty.

The comments came as Putin visited Iturup, one of four in the Kuril chain for the first time, prompting a protest from Tokyo.

Putin warned that Russia would respond if European nations seized Russian vessels, according to reuters.

He said conflict potential in the Asia-Pacific was growing, accusing NATO of pushing into the region and new military-political blocs of deploying or planning weapons systems that threaten Russia.

He also linked the tensions to the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route, saying Russia remained ready to cooperate with countries interested in the route, including China and India, within international maritime law.

The remarks were delivered aboard the Guards missile cruiser Varyag, where Putin took part in the final stage of Pacific Fleet drills and received a report from Pacific Fleet commander Viktor Liina.

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Russia Vladimir Putin Japan Kuril Islands maritime security Sanctions NATO