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."
