Putin Salutes Baltic Fleet on Russia's Navy Day

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Navy ensures the country’s defense capabilities, protects its national interests.

BALTIYSK (Kaliningrad Region) (Sputnik) — The Russian Navy guarantees the country's defense potential, President Vladimir Putin said Sunday.

"The Navy ensures the country’s defense capabilities, protects its national interests," Putin said, speaking at a military parade held on the Day of the Russian Navy in the city of Baltiysk in Kaliningrad Region.

He added that the Baltic Fleet, successfully fulfilling the tasks in different areas of the world ocean, honorably demonstrates the Russian flag.

"I am sure that all those who served in the Navy, are infinitely devoted to duty and fatherland; patriotism for sailors is sacred, it is being passed from generation to generation, as the highest moral value," the president stressed.

Putin added that the status of a great naval power, obtained by the courage and commitment of the ancestors, obliges the country to pass to future generations a modern and strong Navy.

The Navy Day is celebrated in Russia on the last Sunday of July. This year it falls on July 26.