Russian President Vladimir Putin has highlighted the power of the Russian navy, which he hopes to strengthen. This year alone, it will be adding 30 new ships to its fleet, the president announced as he attended the Russian Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg.
"The Russian fleet has more than once stood in the path of the enemy like an impregnable fortress," said the head of state, stressing that the fleet's main objective is the defense of the homeland.
He added that since the time of Peter the Great, Russia’s first emperor and the father of the country’s fleet, the navy has served Russia with dedication and without reservation.
Recounting Russia's history, the leader recalled triumphant naval victories, round-the-world voyages and great geographical discoveries, as well as exceptional advances in science and technology — all thanks to the navy.
Vladimir Putin thanked the Russian navy for its impeccable service, emphasizing that the country’s fleet is a reliable bulwark for border protection.
New Ships Coming Soon
"Today, Russia is confidently fulfilling the tasks of a large-scale maritime policy. It is constantly increasing the power of its fleet. This year alone, it will be adding 30 ships of various classes to its fleet," said Mr. Putin.
The President further noted that among those put into combat service was the Merkury missile corvette flying the navy's St. Andrew's flag "as a sign of the inviolability of our naval traditions, a symbol of courage, bravery and the inflexibility of military sailors."
Navy Parade Guests
Accompanied by the Russian Defense Minister, Army General Sergey Shoigu, and Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Admiral Nicolay Evmenov, Vladimir Putin rode in a presidential motorcade along the ceremonial lines of warships in the waters of the Gulf of Finland, the Neva and the Kronstadt roadstead, congratulating their crews on the occasion of Navy Day.
Foreign guests at the parade included four African leaders, the Presidents of Burkina Faso, the Republic of the Congo, Mali and Eritrea, as well as representatives of five other countries taking part in the Russia–Africa Summit.
Among the spectators in the Kronstadt stands were veterans of the Great Patriotic War and servicemen who had taken part in the Russian special operation in Ukraine.