Russia to establish naval bases in two occupied Ukraine cities: Defense Minister

Russia is planning to establish bases to support its fleet in two port cities in southern Ukraine that Moscow seized during its offensive, defense minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday.

“The ports in Berdyansk and Mariupol are fully functioning. We plan to deploy there bases for support vessels, emergency rescue services and ship repair units of the navy,” Shoigu said in a report during a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the country’s top military officials.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia will continue developing its military potential and the combat readiness of nuclear forces against the backdrop of Moscow’s offensive in Western-backed Ukraine.

“The armed forces and combat capabilities of our armed forces are increasing constantly and every day. And this process, of course, we will build up on,” Putin said during a televised meeting with his country’s high-ranking officers.

He added that Russia will also “improve the combat readiness of our nuclear triad.”

The Russian leader highlighted the new Zircon hypersonic cruise missile, which Russian troops will be able to use beginning January.

Read more: Russian president Putin says army must tackle problems it has suffered in Ukraine