ENGELS. April 12 (Interfax) - Russia should maintain its status as a leading nuclear and space power, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"In the new, 21st century, Russia should maintain its status as one of the leading nuclear and space powers, as the space industry is directly connected with defense," Putin said at a meeting on the development of the space industry on Monday.
The president said he intended to discuss with the meeting participants issues associated with the long-term priorities of the development of space activities.
"We will analyze what needs to be done to strengthen our positions in this, without any exaggeration, strategic sphere," he said.