Russia plans to massively strengthen its navy against the backdrop of tensions with the West. “The US and other NATO states are expanding their military naval presence in the world’s oceans, including in the waters directly bordering Russia,” said Nikolai Patrushev, a close adviser to President Vladimir Putin and the country’s former intelligence chief. He claimed Russia needs to modernize its fleet because trade routes are being blocked and cargo and passenger ships of independent nations are being stopped, searched and in some cases confiscated under the pretext of the fight against piracy. …