President Vladimir Putin signed a new naval doctrine today, which positions the United States as Russia’s main adversary and defines Russia’s global maritime ambitions for critical regions such as the Arctic and Black Sea.
Speaking on Russia’s Navy Day in the former imperial capital St Petersburg founded by Tsar Peter the Great, Putin praised Peter for making Russia a great maritime power and raising the Russian state’s global standing.
After inspecting the navy, Putin delivered a short speech in which he promised what he touted as Russia’s only supersonic Zircon cruise missiles, warning that Russia has the military might to defeat any potential aggressor.
Shortly before the speech, he signed a new 55-page naval doctrine, which sets out the broad strategic goals of the Russian navy, including its ambitions as a “major naval power” that extend across the globe.
The main threat to Russia, the doctrine states, is “the US strategic policy of dominating the world’s oceans” and moving the NATO military alliance closer to Russia’s borders.
Russia can use its military power depending on the situation in the world’s oceans if other soft powers, such as diplomatic and economic tools, are exhausted, the doctrine states.
Putin did not mention the conflict in Ukraine during his speech, but the military doctrine foresees an “overall strengthening of Russia’s geopolitical position” in the Black and Azov seas.
It also designates the Arctic Ocean, which the United States has repeatedly said Russia is trying to militarize, as an area of ​​particular importance to Russia.
Russia’s vast 37,650 km (23,400 mi) coastline, which stretches from the Sea of ​​Japan to the White Sea, also includes the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
Putin said delivery of the Zircon supersonic cruise missiles to the Admiral Gorshkov frigate would begin within months. The place of their deployment will depend on Russian interests, he said.
“The key thing here is the capability of the Russian navy… It is able to respond with lightning speed to anyone who decides to violate our sovereignty and freedom.”
The hypersonic weapons can travel at nine times the speed of sound, and Russia has conducted previous test launches of the Zircon from warships and submarines over the past year.
In Crimea, Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozayev said Ukrainian forces struck the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in the Russian-held port city early Sunday, injuring five personnel.
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
