Vladimir Putin Labels US As Threat To Russian Doctrine After Drone Attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a new naval doctrine on Sunday naming the United States as their main rival in the ocean, as Russia celebrated its Navy Day in the former capital St. Petersburg.

Putin, who was in attendance during the celebration, inspected some of the naval units of the country before making a short speech bragging about the brand-new Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles that he believes will have no equal in the rest of the world, Reuters reported.

“The key thing here is the capability of the Russian navy... It is able to respond with lightning speed to all who decides to infringe on our sovereignty and freedom,” he said about the weapons.

Many people who were watching the parade appeared to be in full support of Putin and his agenda, with many of them cheering along the Palace Embankment even as it appeared that Putin’s speech regarding the hypersonic cruise missiles did not arouse emotions from the crowd, Sky News reported.

“Did you hear the people cheering when Putin came out?” a Russian civilian said to a British journalist at the scene. “I hope you heard, I don't think you have such a strong leader. I believe that you have set us against each other, two brotherly peoples. I hope you can understand what the Russian spirit is when you're here.”

Before the event occurred, Putin also signed a new 55-page naval doctrine that outlined the country’s goals and beliefs in their attempt to dominate the oceans further across, naming the United States as their rival due to their control of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The country also plans to use its resources to establish stronger ties with nations that they are allied with, including Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and India, and potentially to use their navy as a way of establishing power if other diplomatic means fail.

“Guided by this doctrine, the Russian Federation will firmly and resolutely defend its national interests in the world's oceans, and having sufficient maritime power will guarantee their security and protection,” the document said.

The rhetoric comes after a drone reportedly attacked the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in Crimea on Sunday, with multiple people being injured by the attack. The drone's origins remain unknown.