The article discusses how Moscow's centralized power influences Vladivostok, Russia's key Pacific port, highlighting the city's unique local culture while emphasizing its deep political ties to the Kremlin, which impact Russia's broader ambitions in the region.
Ukraine reportedly carried out a distant sabotage operation targeting Russian military infrastructure near Vladivostok, destroying gas and water pipelines that supply military facilities, in an apparent effort to disrupt Russian military logistics.
A major Russian gas pipeline near Vladivostok, supplying several military facilities, exploded and caught fire, with authorities restricting communications in the area. The incident, which also destroyed a water supply line, occurred on July 5, 2025, and is believed to impact military infrastructure along the Sea of Japan coastline.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un concluded his week-long trip to Russia with a final stop in Vladivostok, where he visited a university, an aquarium, and an animal food plant. During his visit, Kim inspected various facilities and pledged to strengthen military and economic cooperation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit aimed to solidify the bond between the two countries and open a new chapter in their relations. The rare summit between Kim and Putin has raised concerns about potential weapons trade and military cooperation, as Russia invades Ukraine and North Korea advances its nuclear programs.
Russia's FSB security service has charged a former employee of the US consulate in Vladivostok, Robert Shonov, with illegal covert collaboration with foreigners, punishable by up to eight years' jail time. The US embassy in Moscow said it was aware of the reports but had "nothing further to share at this time". The US consulate in Vladivostok has been closed since December 2020.