Vladimir Putin meets Russian Defence Minister and Naval Commander-In-Chief

The President of Russia and the Commander-In-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, Vladimir Putin, held a meeting with federal Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov and Navy Commander-In-Chief Vladimir Kuroedov in the Kremlin.

Kuroedov presented to Putin the plan of the 2002 summer naval maneuvers for approval. According to the Naval commander, the forthcoming muster-campaign of the Caspian fleet will be held in accordance with the objectives set by the President, i.e. to maintain stability, promote Russia's interests and fight against terrorism in all its manifestations.

The objectives listed by Kuroedov also include prevention and liquidation of environmental disasters, practice of sea rescue operations and fight against drug smuggling into Russia.