Putin called Russia a
peace-loving state, which does not and cannot have aggressive plans.
TSUGOL FIRING RANGE
/Trans-Baikal Territory/, September 13. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin said
that Russia will continue to strengthen its armed forces so that they are able
to defend the sovereignty of the country and support allies. He said this while
inspecting the troops at the Tsugol firing range, where the Vostok 2018
exercise was held.
"It is our duty
to our country and homeland to be ready to defend its sovereignty, security and
national interests, and if necessary - to support the allies," Putin said.
"Therefore, we
will continue to strengthen our armed forces, equip them with latest weapons
and technologies, to develop international military cooperation," he
added.
Putin called Russia a
peace-loving state, which does not and cannot have aggressive plans.
"Russia is a
peace-loving state. We do not and cannot have aggressive plans," the head
of state said.
"Our foreign
policy is aimed at constructive cooperation with all countries that are
interested in it," he added.
"That's why 87
observers from 59 countries attend these maneuvers and I welcome all of
them," the president said.
On Vostok 2018
Putin praised the
level of holding the active stage of the Vostok 2018 military exercise.
"Today, the most
active stage of the exercises is completed at the Tsugol training ground in
Trans-Baikal territory. You held it at high level: all units and formations
fulfilled their assigned tasks," the head of state said.
The Vostok 2018
exercise, the largest in Russia’s modern history, is being held in the
territories and offshore areas of Russia’s far eastern regions and the adjacent
Pacific Ocean water areas on September 11-17 as part of the Russian Armed
Forces training plan for 2018 under the supervision of Russian Defense Minister
General of the Army Sergei Shoigu. It involves 300,000 troops, over 1,000
aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, up to 36,000 tanks, armored
personnel carriers and other vehicles, up to 80 ships and supply vessels.
Source: ITAR-TASS
13-09-2018
