Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over the commissioning of a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine on Thursday, signaling continued investment in military modernization despite significant naval setbacks in the Ukraine conflict. At the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, located in Russia’s northwestern Arkhangelsk region, Putin oversaw a ceremony to raise the navy’s flag on the Knyaz Pozharsky, the eighth Borei-class submarine to join the fleet. The vessel, capable of carrying 16 nuclear-tipped Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles, underscores Moscow’s emphasis on expanding its strategic capabilities.
Speaking at the event, Putin reaffirmed plans to upgrade Russia’s naval forces, describing the move as critical for national security. Two additional Borei-class submarines are currently under construction, he noted, reinforcing the navy’s role in Russia’s nuclear triad—the combination of sea, land, and air-based nuclear weapons. Analysts view these submarines as a cornerstone of the country’s deterrence strategy, designed to operate stealthily and deliver strikes across vast distances.
The showcase of military strength unfolded against the backdrop of Russia’s prolonged invasion of Ukraine, now in its 41st month. Ukrainian forces, despite lacking a formal navy, have inflicted heavy losses on Moscow’s Black Sea Fleet through drone and missile attacks. Kyiv claims to have destroyed approximately 30% of Russia’s warships since the war began, including the sinking of the missile cruiser Moskva in April 2022. These setbacks have not halted Russia’s naval ambitions, however, with state media framing the Knyaz Pozharsky’s launch as evidence of enduring technological prowess.
Separately, Putin expressed “sincere condolences” following the crash of a passenger plane in Russia’s Far East earlier in the day, which authorities say killed all on board. The incident, unrelated to the military ceremony, drew brief remarks from the president as rescue teams worked to recover remains and investigate the cause.
The twin developments reflect Russia’s simultaneous focus on military modernization and domestic challenges. While the Borei-class submarines represent long-term strategic investments, their deployment coincides with immediate pressures from the Ukraine conflict, where attrition has reshaped naval dynamics in the Black Sea. Military experts note that Russia’s submarine fleet, less vulnerable to surface attacks, remains a pivotal asset as the war enters its fourth year.
