MOSCOW (Dispatches) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation, a basic strategic planning document defining Russia’s national interests and strategic priorities, outlining the means to protect citizens and the state from internal and external threats, and setting objectives for the strengthening of national security and ensuring sustainable development over the long term.
“I hereby approve the attached National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation,” the text accompanying the decree reads, with the order coming into force from the date of its signing, Sputnik reported.
The new strategy replaces the previous version of the document, which was approved by Putin in late 2015. Before the president’s signature of the updated strategy, it was reviewed and approved by the Russian Security Council in May.
The text of the new document suggests that Russia has demonstrated in recent years its ability to withstand foreign sanctions pressure, and notes that work to reduce dependence on imports in key sectors of the economy is to continue.
Economic security is to be ensured by increasing its competitiveness and resilience to both internal and external threats, and via the creation of suitable conditions for economic growth at rates higher than the global average, according to the strategy.
The document deems the reduction in the use of the dollar in Russia’s foreign trade as one of the means to securing the country’s economic security.
At the same time, it points to concepts discussed by NATO on the possibility of the use of nuclear weapons in wartime, and says that this development cannot but serve to increase the security risks faced by Russia.
Dangers also result from the creeping militarization of outer space, and from the risks associated with armed conflicts escalating into local and regional wars involving the world’s nuclear powers.
“The growth of geopolitical instability and conflict, the intensification of interstate contradictions are accompanied by an increase in the threat of the use of military force,” the document warns.
The policy document also points to a weakening of generally recognized norms and principles of international law and the weakening or destruction of existing international institutions and treaties in the field of arms control, which it says only serves to increase tensions and aggravate the military-political situation, including on Russia’s borders.
The signing comes as the Russian army has started a naval drill in the far northern waters of Barents and Norwegian seas, testing systems and weapons of its submarines at great depths.
Russia’s Northern Fleet made the announcement on Friday, saying the crews of several submarines, including fourth-generation subs, would participate in the exercise.
“The Northern Fleet’s submarines have launched a special exercise to test the systems and weapons of submarines in deep areas of the Barents and Norwegian Seas,” the Fleet’s press service said in a statement.
“The deep-sea tests are being held at depths of more than 500 meters, some of which are the maximum ones for most current submarines,” it added.
Russia’s Northern Fleet said the exercise is a routine one and would last for several days.
The Fleet’s press service also said that nuclear-powered battle cruiser Pyotr Velikiy set course for the Barents Sea on Thursday, adding it follows several of the Russian Navy’s biggest ships.
The 252-meter long Pyotr Velikiy is the Russian Navy’s biggest ship with a crew of more than 700 men and a wide range of armament.