Vladimir Putin Calls US Major Threat To Russia Amid Maritime Power Plans

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday signed a new naval doctrine, which classified the U.S. as its main threat and laid out Russia’s plans to become a major maritime power.

While speaking during Russia’s Navy Day, Putin praised the country’s Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles and warned that its military was prepared to take down potential aggressors.

In the 55-page naval doctrine, Russia declared “the strategic policy of the USA to dominate the world’s oceans” and the NATO alliance moving closer to Russia’s borders as the main threat to Russia.

While the doctrine acknowledged that Russian doesn’t have enough navy bases, the country is prepared to use its military to address issues in the world’s oceans if other tools were exhausted.

Russia plans to develop and expand relations with powers like India, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and other regions to build their maritime power.

“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 guarantee their security and protection,” the document stated.

Meanwhile, the delivery of the Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles to the Admiral Gorshkov frigate is expected to begin within months, but Putin revealed the location of the weapons would vary based on Russian interests.

“The key thing here is the capability of the Russian navy,” Putin said. “It is able to respond with lightning speed to all who decides to infringe on our sovereignty and freedom.”

Putin discussed an array of topics in his speech, but did not mention Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.