Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the flag-raising ceremony for the entry of nuclear submarines. Putin said that the nuclear submarines "Alexander III" and "Krasnoyarsk" will soon be on duty at the Pacific Fleet. A number of strategic nuclear submarines, including the USS Alexander III, are equipped with Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles. Putin stressed that Russia will continue to increase its naval strength and provide the Navy with the most advanced technology and equipment. The Arkhangelsk nuclear submarine is in the final stage of outfitting.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday traveled to a shipyard to attend the commissioning of new nuclear submarines, a visit that showcased the country's nuclear might amid the fighting in Ukraine. Putin's trip to the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk in Russia's northwestern Archangelsk region comes three days after he declared his intention to seek another six-year term. Putin announced his decision to run in the March 17 presidential election, which he is all but certain to win, while speaking to soldiers who fought in Ukraine after a Kremlin award ceremony — a setting that underlined his focus on the military action in Ukraine.