A Russian nuclear submarine at dock in northern Russia (ITAR-TASS)
November 16,2006 -- President Vladimir Putin told a meeting of army chiefs today that Russia's nuclear forces must remain capable of destroying any potential aggressor, "no matter what modern weapons it has."
Putin called for the modernization of Russia's armed forces, and promised increases in army salaries and better housing conditions for the military.
He said that 70 percent of army personnel will be on a professional contract by the end of 2008.
(compiled from agency reports)
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