Putin Says NATO Presence in Pacific Threatens Russia, Warns of Reciprocal Response to EU Vessel Seizures
On Aug. 12, Putin said NATO's Pacific buildup raises conflict risk and threatens Russia, as he watched Pacific Fleet drills.
RUSSIA,POLITICS
Global N Press
8/13/20262 min read
MOSCOW, Aug. 13, 2026 — Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Aug. 12 that NATO’s growing presence in the Pacific region was increasing the risk of conflict and posed a potential threat to Russia, as he observed large-scale military exercises by the Russian Pacific Fleet in the country’s Far East.
Putin Raises Concerns Over NATO Activity
Putin said NATO was expanding its activities in the Pacific and planning to deploy a range of weapons and military equipment in the region. He also pointed to rising tensions in the Arctic, particularly over the use of Russia’s Northern Sea Route.
At the same time, Putin said Russia did not have territorial claims against Japan and did not pose a threat to Japanese security. He said Moscow remained willing to cooperate with Japan and other neighboring and regional countries.
Warning Over EU Sanctions
Putin also responded to the European Union’s latest sanctions measures targeting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” a term used by Western governments for vessels suspected of helping Russia circumvent sanctions on its oil exports.
Under the new measures, EU member states may sell oil and other cargo from vessels belonging to the shadow fleet that they have detained. Putin described the policy as “piracy and robbery” and said Russia would be “forced” to take reciprocal measures.
He warned that Russia could proportionally detain European commercial vessels in response. Such actions, he said, could take place in the waters where attempts to detain Russian-linked vessels occur, as well as in other areas, including waters within the Pacific Fleet’s area of responsibility.
Large-Scale Pacific Fleet Exercises
The Russian Pacific Fleet began large-scale military exercises on Aug. 4 in the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk and the northwestern Pacific Ocean.
The drills involve about 60 surface warships, submarines and support vessels, while naval aviation has deployed roughly 30 aircraft, helicopters and unmanned systems. More than 13,000 military personnel are participating in the exercises.
The exercises come amid heightened security tensions in the wider Asia-Pacific region, where Russia, NATO members and regional powers have increasingly focused on military deployments, maritime security and strategic access.
On Aug. 13, Putin chaired a meeting in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk focused specifically on the security of Russia’s eastern borders.
