Nikolai Patrushev, a prominent adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has revealed that the Russian Navy is embarking on a significant new phase of development, in a chilling warning to the West.
“A new stage of the development of the [Russian] Navy is actually beginning,” Patrushev told Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
Known for his hard-line stance and close ties with Putin dating back to their KGB days, Patrushev has been vocal in justifying the Kremlin’s policies, including the invasion of Ukraine. He is often cited as a potential successor to Putin.
“The state needs to ensure such a quality of our fleet that will allow it to outpace the technical capabilities of other maritime countries,” he said. “As a great maritime power, Russia should possess a powerful navy comprising ships designed to accomplish missions in close-in and distant maritime and oceanic areas and have a developed system of bases and logistics support.”
In June, Viktor Yevtukhov, the deputy minister of industry and trade, announced that the Russian Navy would receive around 50 ships and support vessels this year, a significant increase from the 32 vessels added last year. This acceleration is part of an effort to replenish losses sustained in the ongoing conflict.
“About 50 are planned for this year. That is, we are increasing the pace. These are not only boats, frigates, corvettes, small missile ships, there are also support vessels,” Yevtukhov said.
The Russian Navy’s activities have garnered international attention, particularly with the deployment of the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan and other vessels to the Caribbean Sea for military drills.
However, the navy has also faced significant setbacks during the conflict with Ukraine. The flagship vessel Moskva was lost, and roughly a third of the Black Sea Fleet has been disabled by Ukrainian forces, according to former Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk.
Due to persistent Ukrainian attacks, many Russian warships have been relocated from Crimea to Novorossiysk in Russia’s Krasnodar region and the naval port in Feodosia further east on the annexed peninsula.
In a further blow, local media recently reported that part of Russia’s annual naval parade in St. Petersburg has been canceled for the first time in eight years. The main parade in Kronstadt was called off, with a smaller event scheduled for the Neva River in St. Petersburg. This marks the first partial cancellation of the event since 2017, coinciding with the Day of the Russian Navy on July 28.
The British Ministry of Defence commented on the parade’s cancellation, noting that it highlights a growing trend of Russia being unable to guarantee the protection of its forces. This is seen as the most high-profile event to be canceled since Russia invaded Ukraine.
