President Vladimir Putin signed on Sunday a new naval doctrine that presents the United States as Russia’s main rival and establishes the country’s global maritime ambitions for crucial areas such as the Arctic and the Black Sea.
Speaking on Russian Navy Day in the former imperial capital of Saint Petersburg, founded by Tsar Peter the Great, Putin praised Peter for building Russia into a great maritime power and increasing the world position of the Russian state.
After inspecting the marina, Putin delivered a short speech in which he promised what he touted as Russia’s unique Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles, and warned that Russia had the military clout to defeat any potential aggressor.
Shortly before the speech, signed a new naval doctrine of 55 pages, which sets out the broad strategic objectives of the Russian Navy, including its ambitions as a “great maritime power” that spans the globe.
The main threat to Russia, says the doctrine, is “the strategic policy of the United States to dominate the oceans of the world” and the movement of the NATO military alliance closer to Russia’s borders.
Russia can use its military force in a manner appropriate to the situation in the world’s oceans in the event of other soft powers, such as diplomatic and economic tools, run out, says the doctrine, recognizing that Russia does not have enough naval bases worldwide.
Russia’s priority was to develop strategic and naval cooperation with India, as well as broader cooperation with Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and other states in the region, according to the doctrine.
“Guided by this doctrine, the Federation Russia will firmly and resolutely defend its national interests in the world’s oceans, and having sufficient sea power will guarantee its security and protection,” the document says.
Putin’s speech did not mention the conflict in Ukraine , but the military doctrine provides for a “comprehensive strengthening of Russia’s geopolitical position” in the Black and Azov seas.
Relations between Russia and the West have experienced increasing tension during the five months of the Ukraine conflict.
The doctrine also establishes the Arctic Ocean, which the United States has repeatedly said Russia is trying to militarize, as an area of particular importance to Russia.
The vast Russian coastline of 25,400 miles, which extends from the Sea of Japan to the White Sea, also includes the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
Putin said that the delivery of Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles to the Admiral Gorshkov frigate would begin in a few months. The location of his deployment would depend on Russian interests, he said. 2022
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The United States estimates that Russia has 55,000 low the war in Ukraine, according to The New York Times