Russia will significantly expand its navy
Since the beginning of Russia's aggression war against Ukraine, Moscow has been increasingly threatened from the West. Now Russia intends to significantly strengthen its naval forces - "for the prevention of military conflicts" and "for the protection of our country", as the Kremlin claims.
Russia, in the context of tensions with the West, intends to significantly strengthen its navy. "The USA and other NATO countries are building their military naval presence in the world oceans, including in the waters directly bordering Russia," said Presidential Advisor Nikolai Patrushev. Under the pretext of fighting piracy, trade routes are being blocked and merchant and passenger ships of independent nations are being stopped, searched, and partially seized, claimed the 73-year-old. Therefore, Russia must modernize its fleet.
Patrushev was the head of the domestic intelligence service FSB from 1999 to 2008 and the Secretary of the Security Council from 2008 to May 2024. Two months ago, Putin appointed him as his advisor. Due to his close ties to the Kremlin chief, Patrushev is still considered influential.
"The guarantee of the constant readiness of our fleet for deterrence and the prevention of military conflicts, as well as for the protection of our country in accordance with international norms, is necessary," said Patrushev. Putin reportedly ordered the revision of strategic documents on the development of the navy. Corresponding instructions have been given to the ministries and shipbuilding companies. Details about the naval rearmament program were not disclosed.
Russia is also using its own fleet in its more than two-year-long war against Ukraine. Regularly, ships from the Black Sea Fleet and the Caspian Sea Flotilla fire rockets at cities and other objectives in Ukraine. After heavy losses - such as the sinking of the flagship "Moskva" - the main part of the Black Sea Fleet has withdrawn from its base on the annexed Crimean Peninsula to Novorossiysk in the Krasnodar region.
Vladimir Putin, in response to tensions with the West and NATO, has appointed Nikolai Patrushev as his advisor. Patrushev, according to Putin, is crucial due to his close ties to the Kremlin chief and his influence. Patrushev, in his new role, has outlined the need for Russia to significantly strengthen its navy, citing the increased military naval presence of NATO countries around Russia and the blockage of shipping lanes as primary reasons. Russia's naval rearmament program, with details yet to be disclosed, has reportedly been ordered by Putin after he revised strategic documents on navy development.
