Russian President Vladimir Putin said NATO was making ‘inroads’ in the Asia-Pacific and creating new threats, during a meeting with the crew of the Guards missile cruiser Varyag in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk on Wednesday.
“The fleet as a whole is also fully accomplishing the tasks assigned to it within its area of responsibility. These tasks are becoming increasingly important, particularly given the evolving situation in the region, which we have just discussed. […] NATO is penetrating into the region, new military-political blocs are being formed, and new weapons systems are being deployed or planned for deployment here, creating threats to our country as well,” Putin said.
The Russian leader was seen wearing a naval uniform during the briefing.
He also said relations with Tokyo were another source of tension, saying sanctions against Russia were ‘unprovoked on our part’.
“I would like to emphasise that we do not threaten Japan. We have absolutely no claims against it. On the contrary, it is Japan that has territorial claims against our country, referring to the issue of the Kuril Islands. […] I want to emphasise that Russia is ready to co-operate with all its neighbours, including Japan and other countries in the region,” Putin said.
Earlier, Putin arrived aboard the cruiser to take part in the final stage of Russian Navy Pacific Fleet exercises.
The drills began on 4 August and were held in the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk and the north-western Pacific Ocean. Around 60 warships and support vessels, some 30 aircraft, helicopters and drones, as well as more than 13,000 servicemen took part.
Source: Viory
