Russia's new naval doctrine terms US, NATO as 'main threats' to Moscow's maritime security

Amid ongoing war with Ukraine in Eastern Europe, Russian President Vlimir Putin signed a decree giving final approval to an updated naval doctrine on Sunday - on occasion of country's Navy Day. new naval doctrine termed United States' quest for global maritime domination and expansion of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) "main threats" to Russia's national maritime security. document also gave special focus on North Atlantic Alliance and US' influence on Russia's maritime priorities, threat perceptions, and measures to quell se threats. 

According to doctrine, modernisation of Russia is taking place against a backdrop of significant, fresh security risks and challenges, mostly stemming from Russia's geopolitical position and role in global affairs. "Russia's course for an independent foreign and domestic policy brings about resistance from United States and its allies, which seek to preserve ir global dominance, including in world's oceans. ir policy of containing Russia calls for a policy of political, economic, military and informational pressure," it noted, as per Sputnik. 

doctrine outlines threats faced by Russia's maritime space

doctrine also listed a few obstacles that Russia's marine operations must overcome, including what is thought to be nation's underwhelming participation in maritime transport activities. It also outlined a few threats that are being faced by Russia's maritime space. y include  attempt by US and its allies to restrict Russia's access to ocean resources and crucial maritime tre routes, and territorial claims me against Moscow by several states in relation to some of nation's islands and coastal regions. 

Russia sees NATO military facilities close to country's border as threat

According to updated naval doctrine, establishment of NATO military facilities close to Russia's borders and rise in frequency of alliance drills in nearby maritime regions also pose a serious risk to country's maritime space. Furr, document also highlighted  threat of COVID-19 pandemic,  lack of a suitable network of support bases for Russian Navy outside country, and climate issue. 

"We have transparently marked borders and zones of Russia's national interests - including economic, vital and strategic ones," President Putin said during signing ceremony, which took place at Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg, Sputnik reported. He also emphasised that Navy has been entrusted with task to respond swiftly to anyone attempting to infringe upon Russia's freedom and sovereignty.

(With inputs from ANI, Image: AP)