Putin, Pasifik Filosu tatbikatının son aşamasını kruvazörden izledi

Pacific Fleet drills

The Supreme Commander-in-Chief took part in the final stage of the Pacific Fleet drills on board the Guards missile cruiser Varyag. The President also received a report from Commander of the Pacific Fleet Viktor Liina. 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 155th Brigade, which is now the 55th 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. To be continued.