Russian strategic nuclear naval forces on full combat alert, presidential aide says

Russia's strategic nuclear naval forces are on full combat alert and operating in the world's oceans, Nikolai Patrushev, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin and chairman of the Maritime Collegium, said on July 15.

Speaking in an interview cited by RIA Novosti, Patrushev said, "Our strategic naval nuclear forces are in full combat readiness."

He added that the Russian Navy protects the country's national interests not only near Russia's borders but also in various regions of the world's oceans.

By Sabina Mammadli