Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the United States of provoking an arms race by increasing its military presence near Russia’s borders. He claimed that the U.S. and its allies are amplifying their military presence near Russia’s western borders, the Arctic, and the Asia-Pacific region under the guise of countering alleged Russian threats and deterring China.
Putin made these comments as Russia commenced week-long strategic naval exercises aimed at expanding cooperation with naval forces from partner countries. During these exercises, which run from September 10 to September 16, hundreds of warships, submarines, and support vessels are expected to be deployed across various bodies of water including the Pacific, Arctic, Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic seas.
In response, U.S. Army officials have indicated an interest in deploying Typhoon missile systems to Japan for joint military exercises, following a similar deployment in the northern Philippines in April.
Putin warned that Washington’s “aggressive actions” are disrupting the established security framework and upsetting the power balance in the Asia-Pacific region. He criticized the U.S. for provoking an arms race and creating conditions for a potential crisis, regardless of the security of its European and Asian allies.
The Russian leader emphasized that the Ocean-2024 naval exercises, which include cooperation with the Chinese navy in the Sea of Japan, are intended to bolster military collaboration with friendly states and prepare for potential military threats in various maritime regions.
In July, Putin had threatened to resume the production of intermediate-range nuclear weapons if the U.S. proceeded with plans to deploy missiles in Europe, including Typhoon and Tomahawk cruise missiles. He warned that such a deployment would make European capitals targets for Russian missiles.
