Sputnik News
Post-Soviet Russia’s first naval doctrine was established in 2001 by presidential decree, with a major update approved in 2015 amid rising tensions with NATO, the Ukraine crisis, and Moscow’s growing strategic partnership with China. The new doctrine supersedes the 2015 document and adds a number of important new provisions.
President Vladimir Putin signed a decree approving an updated Naval Doctrine on Sunday as Russia marked Navy Day – a holiday dedicated to the sailors, naval aviation, and coastal troops serving in the maritime branch of the Russian Armed Forces.
“We have transparently marked the borders and zones of Russia’s national interests – including economic, vital and strategic ones,” Putin said during the signing ceremony, which took place at the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg.
“First and foremost, these are our Arctic waters, the Black, Okhotsk, Bering and Baltic Seas, as well as the Kuril Straits. We will ensure their protection firmly and by all means,” Putin said. The Navy, he stressed, is tasked with responding “with lightning speed to anyone who decides to encroach on our sovereignty and freedom.”
The document pays special attention to the role played by the United States and the North Atlantic Alliance in shaping Russia’s maritime priorities, perceptions of threats, and the means to neutralize these threats.
The doctrine outlines 10 main threats to Russia in the maritime space:
The strategic course being pursued by the USA to “dominate” the oceans and Washington’s global influence on the international processes, including those connected to the use of maritime transport arteries and energy resources.
The push by the US and its allies to try to limit Russia’s access to the resources of the world’s oceans, and vital maritime transport routes.
Territorial claims against Russia by a number of governments related to some of the country’s coastal areas and islands.
The deployment of NATO military infrastructure near Russia’s borders, and the growing number of alliance exercises in the sea areas near the country.
The attempt by the US to reach overwhelming superiority in naval power, as well as rising capabilities of other naval powers.
Military conflicts in areas of special geopolitical significance to Russia and its allies, as well as countries which have access to the world’s oceans.
The economic, political, international legal, informational and military pressure on Russia aimed at discrediting or reducing the effectiveness of its maritime activities.
Efforts by some governments to weaken Russia’s control over the Northern Sea Route, including through the growing presence of foreign military infrastructure in the Arctic.
Attempts by some countries to change existing international maritime legal agreements in pursuit of selfish geopolitical interests.
And finally, the growing threat of international terrorism, piracy, and illegal smuggling of weapons, drugs, chemicals, and radioactive substances.
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