The protection of the nation's independence, sovereignty and integrity, the prevention of aggression against Russia and its allies and ensuring the peaceful, democratic development of the country are fundamental national interests. State sovereignty is upheld by the authorities through their federal governmental bodies.
The President is the guarantor of the nation's sovereignty. He defines basic military policy guidelines, endorses the National Security Concept and the Military Doctrine and heads the Armed Forces, other troops and military units, as well as agencies and forces that ensure national security. The President also conducts negotiations and signs international treaties ensuring Russia's sovereignty.
The President sanctions measures to guarantee national security. The President forms, reorganizes and abolishes national security agencies and forces that are subordinate to him. In the event of aggression against the Russian Federation or an immediate threat thereof, the President shall introduce total or partial mobilization, martial law and statutory acts of wartime; shall form governmental bodies with executive powers for the period of wartime; and, as the Commander in Chief, shall give orders to conduct military operations.
As the guarantor of the state's integrity, the President shall ensure that the constitutions, laws and regulations of Russia's constituent territories do not contravene the country's Constitution or federal laws. The President has the right to suspend laws and regulations issued by the executive bodies of Russia's constituent territories if such laws and regulations contravene the country's Constitution, federal laws or international obligations.