Pacific Fleet drills

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Liina, comrades,

I would like to thank the Commander for his detailed reports. The purpose of events like the one we are discussing right now, I mean the military exercises, is not only to ensure the fleet’s combat readiness, but also to defend our national interests and ensue its security in the Asia-Pacific region in general. These initiatives contribute to perfecting Russia’s military presence in this region in all its aspects. Among other things, we must benefit from the experience acquired during the special military operation in everything we do here, as we discussed with the commander on our way to the ship.

You mentioned the battlefield engagement of the Pacific Fleet’s naval infantry, i.e., the 155^th Brigade, which is now the 55^th Naval Infantry Division. I would like to note that the Pacific Fleet’s naval infantry can fulfil any combat mission it receives. There is no task it cannot shoulder. Its personnel are bold, professional and heroic in their actions. As for the fleet, it has also been effective in performing its mission within its area of responsibility. These objectives are becoming increasingly important, which is attributable, among other things, to the current situation in the region. The Commander has just described it in his report.

The region is unfortunately becoming increasingly prone to conflict, with NATO seeking to gain a foothold here and the emergence of new military and political blocs. There are efforts and plans to deploy new weapons systems here, which creates threats for our country.

There is growing tension in the neighbouring Arctic zone, as has been mentioned already, which relates to operating the Northern Sea Route. Russia has always upheld its unwavering commitment and reaffirms its readiness to work with others in the Arctic to benefit from the advantages the Northern Sea Route has to offer. Of course, this must be done in keeping with the international law of the sea. Countries that want and are interested in working with us primarily include our friends: China, India, and other countries. They have been discussing these questions with us, and we will definitely welcome opportunities for working with our friends, as well as all countries willing to take part in this instrumental and extremely promising initiative to expand global logistics.

As we have already heard, the Asia-Pacific region is facing a rather challenging environment and there are quite a few challenges it faces. I will not go beyond saying that we would like to clarify the position of Japan, which has already been mentioned today. It is our neighbour, a country which used the developments in Ukraine as a pretext for imposing unprovoked sanctions on Russia without trying to understand what had caused this conflict. Moreover, it is the first time that Japan has ranked Russia among the main threat sources in its latest military doctrines. I would like to note that we have not threatened Japan in any way. We do not have any claims. It is Japan which has territorial claims against our country – I am referring to the issue concerning the Kuril Islands.

However, this was enshrined in international documents as a post-WWII reality. Even then, Russia was willing to find a solution to conclude a peace treaty with Japan.

Let me remind you that in the mid-1950s, the Soviet Union signed a declaration with Japan that paved the way for a peace treaty. Japan also signed the declaration but later withdrew from it. The Soviet Union did the same, but the new Russia responded to the Japanese government’s request and renewed – again, at Japan’s request – the dialogue to seek ways to reach a peace treaty. It was initially discussed that the work would be based on the declaration I have just mentioned.

I should confirm that at the time, we established constructive relations with several high-level Japanese officials, including former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who tragically died. He made great efforts to bring Japan and Russia, as well as our positions, closer. But now, unfortunately, we can see some changes in our neighbour’s position – I want to stress, changes that have not been provoked by anything.

Therefore, the Commander’s proposal regarding the development of the Pacific Fleet and the improvement of its capabilities and potential will be supported. It is important to consider all matters related to the fulfilment of these proposals. Corresponding instructions will be given to the Defence Ministry and the Russian Government. It is necessary to designate responsible parties and sources of funding.

But I want to stress that Russia is ready to cooperate with all of its neighbours, including Japan and other states in the region. I know that the Pacific Fleet holds regular joint exercises. Please continue this work.

There is another problem I wanted to draw your attention to. The Commander has just mentioned the escorting of our ships in the Pacific Fleet’s area of responsibility. I would like to note the recent decisions of the European Union. We can see that the officials of some countries are attempting to restrict the movement of our economic operators’ vessels by peaceful means in violation of International Maritime Law, but recently it occurred to them that they can seize our vessels and sell our looted property. This is nothing short of piracy and plunder. If this happens, we will have to reciprocate – not necessarily in the waters where they plan to raid our own ships but anywhere we consider necessary or reasonable, including in the Pacific Fleet’s area of responsibility.

I would like to draw your attention to this. The Defence Ministry has received corresponding instructions and I know that they have been conveyed to the command of the Pacific Fleet. Please report your proposals on this matter.

In conclusion, I would like to stress once again that Russia is strengthening its security in general and in specific regions. It is always open to finding a compromise that would be acceptable to all of our neighbours and partners. We are open to it, as long as mutual interests are taken into consideration.

Mr Liina, please.

Commander of the Pacific Fleet Viktor Liina: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

The forces and formations of the Pacific Fleet maintain a constant state of combat readiness to fulfil their assigned missions and are fully capable of ensuring the security of the Russian Federation in the Asia-Pacific region.

The military and political situation in the region is tense and continues to demonstrate a steady trend towards increasing complexity. The principal drivers of heightened military and political tension are the destructive activities of Western states aimed at reconfiguring the security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, the build‑up of their forward military presence, as well as the establishment of new Western‑controlled military and political alliances. Specifically, I refer to the AUKUS bloc and the Trilateral Pact.

At present, similar new alliances are being formed, namely JAPHUS, QUAD and AJUS. In reality, these military and political alliances constitute elements of NATO, merely presented under a different guise. They are conducting joint operational and combat training exercises, and both their frequency and scale are consistently increasing. There is a discernible trend towards drawing NATO’s military and political resources into the Asia-Pacific region’s policy. The deteriorating situation within the fleet’s operational area is further corroborated by the increasingly aggressive actions of Japan’s military and political leadership. For instance, on July 4, a White Paper was published, which sets out the course of the military and political leadership towards overt militarisation. Russia is identified as one of Japan’s threats. It is further stated therein that military expenditure will be increased to 2 percent, and Japan’s Minister of Defence has openly advocated the advisability of abolishing The Three Non‑Nuclear Principles – a development which cannot be permitted in our region. Hearings are also underway concerning amendments to Article 9 of the Constitution and the establishment of Japan’s armed forces.

A significant concern is the threat posed by the West’s potential blockade of Russia’s maritime trade, with the aim of inflicting maximum economic damage. It is known that, as part of the 21^st package of anti‑Russia sanctions, the European Union has lifted the previously imposed ban on the sale of Russian hydrocarbons in EU member states. Thus, the countries of the union are now authorised to adopt legislative decisions at the national level regarding the sale of hydrocarbons from vessels detained as part of the so‑called Russian shadow fleet. The European Union is striving to provide legal justification for its actions, which run counter to international norms.

Comrade Supreme Commander‑in‑Chief, acting pursuant to your instruction, we have conducted a comprehensive analysis of maritime traffic in the Asia-Pacific region; we are aware of the routes, the cargoes being transported, and the ownership of each vessel. Between April 24 and August 6, 2026, a total of 1,001 vessels transited the exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation along the islands of the South Kuril chain alone. Of these, 379 sailed under the flags of unfriendly states, including 273 bulk carriers and 71 tankers, among which were 26 vessels from the United Kingdom and 9 from France.

Simultaneously, Western states are actively enlisting vessels flying the flags of third countries to transport cargo in their interests. In essence, this constitutes their own shadow fleet. We possess the necessary forces to inspect and detain vessels belonging to unfriendly states and their shadow fleet; inter‑agency coordination has been established, and we stand ready to execute these tasks.

This concludes my report.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

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