Ukraine Ticker. Putin signs new naval doctrine — US and NATO as ‘biggest threats’

Russia sees the US and NATO as the “greatest threats” to national security

The new naval doctrine, which President Vladimir Putin signed during a ceremonial naval parade in St. Petersburg, specifically names Washington’s “strategic goal of dominating the world’s oceans” and “the convergence of NATO’s military infrastructure with the Russian borders” as dangers . Moscow also wants to strengthen its position in the Arctic.

“Russia’s domestic and foreign policies are subject to countermeasures by the United States and its allies, who want to use it to maintain their dominance over the world, including the seas,” says the 55-page document that Putin read on the occasion of the proclaimed Russian Fleet Day signed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, second from right, and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, foreground right, inspect warships before the grand naval parade marking Russian Navy Day in the Gulf of Finland in St. Petersburg.

Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo/AP/Keystone

“Today’s Russia cannot exist without a strong fleet,” the doctrine continues. It will “strongly and resolutely defend its interests on the high seas”.

Accordingly, Moscow also wants to strengthen its leading position in the exploration of the Arctic and the raw materials located there and ensure “strategic stability” by expanding the North and Pacific Fleets. The aim is to develop a “safe and competitive” sea route from Europe to Asia in the Arctic and to make it navigable all year round. The so-called Northeast Passage runs along the Arctic coast of Russia.