Russia: Washington and NATO are the "biggest threat" to national security

The United States' pursuit of ocean dominance and NATO expansion pose the biggest threat to Russia, according to Russia's new naval doctrine signed by President Vladimir Putin on Sunday.

The 55-page document states that the "main challenges and threats" to national security and development are Washington's "strategic goal of global ocean domination" and the movement of NATO's military infrastructure toward Russia's borders.

The document, which was signed on the Russian Navy's birthday, stated that "Russia's independent domestic and foreign policy is facing countermeasures from the United States and its allies aiming to maintain their hegemony in the world, including in its oceans."

Moscow sees the Western military alliance (which was the enemy of the Soviet Union during the Cold War) as an existential threat, using Ukraine's membership to justify the February 24 invasion.

The doctrine noted Russia's desire to develop a "safe and competitive" sea lane from Europe to Asia known as the "Northeast Passage" through the Arctic coast and ensure its year-round operation.

She stressed that "Russia cannot exist today without a powerful fleet... and it will defend its interests in the world's oceans with firmness and determination."

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