Putin Approves New Strategy to Build Russian Naval Power

Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a strategy for the long-term development of the Russian Navy on May 30, said Nikolai Patrushev, head of Russia’s Maritime Collegium, in an interview released Monday.

Navy rising: “Such a strategic planning document has been adopted for the first time in modern history,” Patrushev said. Though he gave few details, he indicated that this new strategy would be central to defining the future role and image of the Russian Navy in its efforts to secure Russian interests worldwide.

The Russian Navy is the third-most powerful in the world, after the United States and China. Though it has suffered serious losses in its war with Ukraine, improving its maritime power remains a high priority for Russia.

Putin has demonstrated his commitment to developing the navy, announcing a $97 billion plan to construct new warships and transform naval capabilities by 2050.

Soviet revival: Putin called the collapse of the Soviet Union the “greatest geopolitical catastrophe” of the 20th century. This new naval development strategy marks another stride in Putin’s long race to rebuild Russia into the formidable Soviet empire it once was.

To understand where these developments are leading, read our Trends article “Why the Trumpet Watches Russia’s Return to Superpower Status.”