Russia is reaffirming its willingness to cooperate in the Arctic, including through the Northern Sea Route, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.

"Russia has always, precisely always, spoken out, and even now confirms its readiness to cooperate and take advantage of the Northern Sea Route, of course, within the framework of current international maritime law," he said.

Putin added that Russia is prepared to work with other countries on the Northern Sea Route in accordance with existing international maritime law.

Pacific Fleet exercises aimed at strengthening regional capabilities

Exercises involving Russia's Pacific Fleet are necessary to strengthen the country's overall military capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region, the Russian president said.

"Such events as the one we are currently discussing, the exercises, are necessary both to maintain the combat readiness of the fleet, and to protect the interests of our country, its security in the Asia-Pacific region, and to improve the entire military component of Russia in this region. Among other things, all this should be done taking into account the experience of the special military operation", Putin stressed.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he added that  Russian marines are capable of carrying out all assigned missions and described them as acting boldly, professionally and heroically. He also said the Pacific Fleet is fully meeting the tasks assigned to it within its area of responsibility.

The president further said that proposals from Pacific Fleet Commander-in-Chief Admiral Viktor Liina concerning the fleet's development would receive support.

Putin warns of reciprocal response to merchant ship seizures

Russia will respond in kind to any attempt to seize its merchant vessels, including in waters beyond those where such actions might initially be planned, Putin said on Wednesday.

He said Russia has observed authorities in several countries seeking to restrict the movement of Russian ships.

"And recently the came up with the possibility of seizing our ships and selling the property looted from us, of course, this is nothing but piracy and robbery. And if this starts to happen in practice, we will have to respond in a mirror manner. And not necessarily in those waters where raids are planned, but where we ourselves consider it necessary and expedient. Anywhere, including in the Pacific Fleet's area of responsibility", Putin said during the final stage of the Pacific Fleet exercises.

Putin says Russia poses no threat to Japan

Russia does not threaten Japan and has no claims against Tokyo, the Russian president added.

He noted that Japan has, for the first time, identified Russia as a major threat in its doctrinal documents. "I would like to note that we are not threatening Japan, we have absolutely no claims against it", Putin said.

The Russian president also said Japan had imposed sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine without considering its root causes.

Putin’s remarks present Russia as seeking cooperation where possible while emphasizing its readiness to defend its interests when it believes they are under pressure.

He said Moscow remains open to working with other countries in the Arctic and on the Northern Sea Route, while maintaining that its military and maritime capabilities are essential to protecting Russia’s interests and security.