YUZHNO-SAKHALINSK, August 12. /TASS/. Tokyo has territorial claims against Moscow over the Kuril Islands, even though they came into Russia’s possession after World War II, which is enshrined in international documents, President Vladimir Putin said while addressing the Russian Pacific Fleet during military exercises.

He also noted that Western countries’ plans to seize Russian merchant ships constitute "piracy and robbery."

TASS has compiled the Russian leader’s key statements.

Pacific Fleet exercises and operations

Events such as the Pacific Fleet exercises are necessary, among other things, to protect Russia’s interests in the Asia-Pacific region: "Activities such as the exercises we are discussing now are necessary to maintain the fleet’s combat readiness and protect our country’s interests and security in the region. They are also intended to improve Russia’s overall military capabilities in this region."

The Pacific Fleet’s marines carry out missions in the Pacific Operational Area "boldly, professionally, and heroically."

There are no combat missions that are beyond the capabilities of the Pacific Fleet’s marines: "There are no combat missions that the Pacific Fleet’s marines cannot carry out. They are up to any task."

The Pacific Fleet is fully meeting the tasks assigned to it within its area of responsibility: "The fleet is fully meeting the tasks assigned to it within its area of responsibility, and these tasks are becoming increasingly significant, particularly in light of the evolving situation in the region."

Russia will continue to develop its Pacific Fleet and enhance its capabilities: "Appropriate instructions will be given to both the Defense Ministry and the Russian government. We need to identify the responsible parties and sources of funding."

At the same time, Moscow is ready to cooperate with all its neighbors, including Japan and other countries in the region: "I know the Pacific Fleet conducts joint exercises, and it will continue to do so in the future."

Threats in Asia-Pacific and Arctic regions

NATO is infiltrating the Asia-Pacific region: "Unfortunately, we see that the potential for conflict is growing here (in the Asia-Pacific region - TASS). NATO is infiltrating this region. New military-political blocs are being formed. New weapons systems are being deployed here and are planned for deployment, which pose threats to our country as well."

Plans to deploy new weapons in the Asia-Pacific region pose a threat to Russia: "New weapons systems are being deployed here and are planned for deployment, posing threats to our country as well."

Tensions are escalating not only in the Asia-Pacific region but also in the neighboring Arctic region: "Incidentally, tensions are also escalating in the neighboring Arctic region <…> in connection with the Northern Sea Route. Although Russia has always advocated for, and continues to affirm, its readiness to cooperate in the Arctic and to utilize the advantages of the Northern Sea Route. Naturally, this is within the framework of existing international maritime law."

Relations with Japan

Japan has unilaterally imposed sanctions on Russia without delving into the causes of the conflict in Ukraine: "I will only say that we would like to understand the position of Japan, our neighbor, which was mentioned during the reports. Russia has no claims against Japan and does not threaten its security. Under the pretext of events in Ukraine, Japan has imposed unprovoked sanctions on Russia."

Russia has no claims against Japan and does not threaten its security: "We do not threaten Japan. We have absolutely no claims against it."

Nevertheless, Japan's most recent military doctrine documents have classified Russia as a major threat for the first time.

Tokyo has territorial claims against Moscow over the Kuril Islands, which came into Russia’s possession after World War II and are enshrined in international documents: "Japan has territorial claims against our country. I am referring to the issue of the Kuril Islands. However, this is a reality that emerged following the end of World War II and is enshrined in international documents."

Russia had constructive relations with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other Japanese leaders, but now Tokyo has changed its position: "Unfortunately, we are now seeing a shift in their position, one that I emphasize was in no way provoked by us."

Western plans to seize Russian merchant ships

Some Western countries are attempting to restrict the movement of Russian merchant ships, which violates maritime law: "I would like to draw attention to the EU's recent decisions. We see that the authorities of some countries are attempting to restrict the movement of our economic operators’ ships in violation of international maritime law. I want to emphasize that these ships are peaceful. Recently, they’ve even considered seizing our ships and selling property stolen from us."

The West’s plans to seize Russian merchant ships are nothing but "piracy and robbery": "Of course, this is nothing less than piracy and robbery."

Russia will retaliate if Western countries seize its merchant ships: "If this begins to happen in practice, we will be forced to respond in kind."

This will not necessarily take place in the waters where raids on Russian ships are planned: "We will act wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate, including the Pacific Fleet’s area of responsibility."