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Russian Navy to continue Arctic, Antarctic research

Seven Russian research stations are currently operational in the Antarctic and another five stations have been deactivated

KRONSTADT, April 15. /TASS/. The Russian Navy will continue its research work in the Arctic and the Antarctic, Russian Navy Deputy Commander-in-Chief Vice-Admiral Alexander Fedotenkov said on Friday.

"The Antarctic region is primarily of interest as a continent of peace, a continent without weapons. That is why, the Navy also accomplishes peaceful tasks there, in particular, the exploration of both Arctic and southern seas," Fedotenkov said during a ceremony of welcoming the vessel Admiral Vladimirsky, which had returned from the expedition to the Antarctic.

"Believe me that the work that was begun two years ago will be continued without any doubt," he added.

Head of the Russian Defense Ministry’s Navigation and Oceanography Department Sergei Travin said that the vessel Admiral Vladimirsky was planned to "perform another but shorter voyage" in late 2016. Travin did not specify where the vessel would head for.

As Fedotenkov said, the vessel Admiral Vladimirsky has accomplished all the assigned tasks in the Antarctic in full.

"I would like to note that we have returned to Antarctic seas after more than 30 years. The research carried out by the vessel is very important for the Navy and science," Fedotenkov said.

According to Fedotenkov, seven Russian research stations are currently operational in the Antarctic and another five stations have been deactivated.

"The Russian Navy does its best to fully renew the exploration of Antarctic seas," the deputy commander-in-chief said.

Head of the 6th Atlantic ocean research expedition Dmitry Puntus said that there were still a lot of blank spots for map-makers and other scientists in these seas.