Moscow - (AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that his country will continue to develop its military capabilities, including the "combat readiness" of its nuclear forces, in light of the conflict in Ukraine and the crisis with Western countries.

"The armed forces and combat capabilities of our armed forces are increasing constantly and every day. This process, of course, will develop," Putin said during a meeting with senior military officers.

"We will continue to maintain and improve the combat readiness of our nuclear forces," he added.

He announced, for example, that new intercontinental hypersonic missiles "Zircon" will enter service "beginning of January", noting that they belong to the new group of weapons that Moscow has developed in recent years.

Putin was speaking in front of a group of senior officers as part of a meeting aimed at defining the goals of the Russian army for the year 2023 as it continues its attack on Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said one of the "priorities" would be "to continue to carry out the special operation (in Ukraine) until all its goals are fulfilled."

He also confirmed that Moscow would deploy naval bases dedicated to "support ships, emergency services and marine maintenance units" in the occupied Ukrainian cities of Berdyansk and Mariupol.

Shoigu considered that in Ukraine, "the Russian military is confronting the combined forces of the West," adding that "the growing presence of the West at our borders and the borders of Belarus, and the West's intention to extend military operations in Ukraine to the maximum extent with the aim of weakening our country, are of particular concern."

He considered it necessary to increase the number of the Russian army to 1.5 million soldiers, raise the age of military service and establish new military administrative entities in northwestern Russia.

Vladimir Putin replied, "I agree with your suggestions regarding the upcoming structural changes of the armed forces," stressing that these steps will be implemented "without damage" to the Russian society and economy.

Also, Putin briefly saluted the Russian soldiers killed during the attack in Ukraine. "Certainly, military operations are always associated with tragedies and human losses. But since the matter is inevitable, it is better for it to take place today than tomorrow," he said.
He added that the conflict in Ukraine is a "common tragedy", but Russia is not responsible for its outbreak.

He also pointed out that there is no problem for Moscow in financing the military campaign, despite Western sanctions.

"We have no limits on funding. The country and the government give everything the army asks for. Really everything it asks for," the Russian president said. In September, a military mobilization was announced after military setbacks for the Russian forces.

He mentioned that 300,000 Russians had been mobilized since then, pointing out that a "part" of them were fighting.

He added that 150,000 (of those who have been mobilized) are receiving training in military bases. It is a sufficient reserve to carry out operations, and a strategic reserve that is not used in military operations."