The previous evening at a celebration of the holiday, the President noted that combat-ready, strong and modern armed forces, including strategic forces, are a crucial part of national security and an essential condition for the country’s development.
Russia does not and cannot have aggressive intentions or imperial ambitions and the Russian Armed Forces’ military potential was and continues to be a component part of international security.
The Army and Navy should be mobile, genuinely professional and equipped with the latest arms and technology. They must be ready to deal with any threat – from terrorism and local conflicts to major aggression.
The Russian Armed Forces still face a good number of difficulties and problems today, but all of these problems can be solved. Mr Putin emphasised that success in strengthening the country’s defence potential depends in large part on how well servicemen feel their social needs are being taken care of.