MOSCOW. April 17 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin's remark on the possibility of using the Russian Navy in conflicts in any area was prompted by the existing potential for conflict near the country's borders, presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said.
When meeting with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu earlier on Monday, Putin said that "certain components of fleet forces can be engaged in conflicts in any area." Journalists asked Peskov to comment on this statement.
"Our surroundings are quite turbulent in numerous regions, fraught with conflict situations, regional conflicts, and all of us know the geography of these regional conflicts very well. That's what the [comment] was referring to," Peskov replied.
Answering a follow-up question whether the meeting discussed taking Artyomovsk under control, he said, "No, it didn't discuss."