Russian President Vladimir Putin redoubles the warmongering tone in his new naval doctrine. Putin calls the United States "the main threat" to his country and signals his intention to position Russia as a major maritime power with a global presence.
During the celebration of the Navy Day in St. Petersburg, the president announced that the Russian army will receive the new hypersonic cruise missiles 'Tsirkon', whose "range is practically unlimited". In his speech, picked up by Reuters, Putin warns that Russia has the military strength to defeat any potential aggressor and puts the United States under the spotlight. The main threat to Russia, he notes, is "the strategic policy of the United States to dominate the world's oceans" and the approach of the NATO military alliance to Russia's borders.
That is why Putin signed shortly before the speech the new Russian naval strategy, which involves reinforcing its ambitions as a "great maritime power" that extends throughout the world. Thus, Russia signals that it may use its military force in case diplomatic or economic tools are exhausted.
The document recognizes that Russia does not have enough naval bases worldwide and is committed to developing strategic and naval cooperation with India, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and other states in the region, in an attempt to find alternatives to its traditional European partners. "Guided by this doctrine, the Russian Federation will firmly and resolutely defend its national interests in the world's oceans, and having sufficient maritime power will ensure their safety and security," the document reported by Reuters said. The intention is to position Russia as a major maritime power with red lines in the Arctic and the Black and Baltic Seas.
A great maritime power in times of war
The Russian president's goal is to control vast areas in all oceans, making Russia a maritime power. Putin's speech did not mention the Ukraine conflict, but military doctrine envisions a "comprehensive strengthening of Russia's geopolitical position" in the wake of increasingly strained relations with the West, since the conflict broke out in Ukraine five months ago.
In this way, Russia is making its demands for the near future. The regime says it will not accept interference in its affairs in the Arctic, the Caspian or the Sea of Okhotsk (Pacific); the Black and Azov Seas, seized from Ukraine; the Baltic; the Kuril Islands (whose sovereignty is claimed by Japan); the eastern Mediterranean and the straits leading to Asia and Africa. "We have openly marked the borders and areas of Russia's national interests, both economic and strategic ones that are vital. We will ensure their defense firmly and by all means," the Russian leader said.
