Putin: We Intend to Continue Expanding the Fleet in the Arctic

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russia plans to continue expanding its fleet in the Arctic by building new icebreakers and other ships. During a speech at the launch ceremony for the construction of the nuclear icebreaker "Leningrad," Putin stated that residents of Arctic regions are awaiting strong icebreakers and other ships capable of sailing in the Arctic. He added, "We will certainly continue to address these issues, expand our fleet in the Arctic, and set new ambitious goals for ourselves." Earlier on Friday, the Russian president gave the green light for the construction of the nuclear icebreaker "Leningrad" as part of a plan aimed at developing the Northern Sea Route.