Putin lauded Peter, the Major, on Russia's Navy Day at the former imperial capital of St. Petersburg, founded by Tsar Peter the Great, for making Russia a significant naval force and enhancing the international position of the Russian state.

After viewing the fleet, Putin gave a brief statement in which he boasted about Russia's unique Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles and warned that Russia has the military might to defeat any possible aggressors.

Shortly before the speech, he signed a new 55-page naval doctrine that outlines the strategic objectives of Russia's navy, including its global ambitions as a "great maritime power."

According to the doctrine, "the strategic policy of the USA to dominate the world's oceans" and the movement of the NATO military alliance closer to Russia's borders pose the greatest threat to Russia.

If other soft powers, such as diplomatic and economic means, are exhausted, the policy states that Russia may deploy its military might responsibly in the world's oceans. The doctrine acknowledges that Russia does not have enough navy bases worldwide.

According to the theory, Russia's top objective was to deepen strategic and naval collaboration with India and broader cooperation with Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and other states.

The statement stated, "Guided by this doctrine, the Russian Federation will firmly and resolutely defend its national interests in the world's oceans, and having sufficient maritime power will guarantee their security and protection,"

Putin did not address the crisis in Ukraine in his speech, but Russia's military doctrine calls for a "comprehensive strengthening of Russia's geopolitical position" in the Black and Azov seas.

During the five months of the Ukraine crisis, Russia's and the West's relations have become increasingly strained.

The doctrine identifies the Arctic Ocean, which the United States has often accused Russia of attempting to militarize, as a region of particular significance for Russia.

Russia's 37,650 km (23,400 miles) coastline spans from the Sea of Japan to the White Sea and encompasses the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.

Putin stated that the delivery of Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles to the Admiral Gorshkov frigate would commence within a few months. According to him, their deployment site would depend on Russian objectives.

"The crucial factor in this situation is the Russian navy's capability... It can retaliate with lightning speed to anyone who decides to violate our independence and sovereignty."

Russia has conducted numerous test launches of the Zircon from warships and submarines over the last year. Hypersonic missiles can travel at nine times the speed of sound.

In Crimea, the governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, reported that on Sunday morning, Ukrainian forces attacked the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the Russian-held port city, injuring five staff members.