PLESETSK launching site (Arkhangelsk region), February 18th, 2004 (RIA Novosti correspondent) - Russian President Vladimir Putin is personally controlling the state of the Russian Navy, Strategic Missile Force and Space Force. He said this at a press conference on Wednesday summing up the command and staff exercises in northern Russia.
Putin positively assessed the war games. He recalled he had watched the exercises of the anti-ballistic missile system.
"The Russian army is getting stronger and being modernised not for any aggressive actions but for defending its citizens and national interests," said Putin.
