Addressing his audience, Vladimir Putin noted that combat readiness of the Army and Navy, and consolidation and modernisation of the armed forces, including strategic forces, are essential parts of national security and a guarantee for the country’s peaceful development.
Russia does not and cannot have aggressive intentions or imperial ambitions. The military potential of the Russian army was and continues to be a constituent part of international security.
The Army and Navy should be mobile, genuinely professional, equipped with the latest arms and technology and ready to repulse any threat ranging from terrorism and local conflicts to major aggression.