«The Black Sea Crimea and Sevastopol in the fate of Russia»: the Third Solovyov Readings took place in the Livadia Palace

CrimeaPRESS reports:

Issues related to history, naval doctrine, the development of the Black Sea and the Navy, ensuring military security, socio-economic development, education and patriotic education were discussed on June 8 at the Third Solovyov Readings, held as part of the XVI annual International Festival «Great Russian word». The Institute of the CIS countries acted as the organizer. Konstantin ZatulinFirst Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the State Duma of the Russian Federation on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots, Head of the Institute of CIS Countries noted:

The readings are dedicated to Vladimir Evgenyevich Solovyov, our deceased friend, the first head of the Institute of the CIS countries in Sevastopol, whom we met during the years of the Third Defense of Sevastopol, when he was the head of intelligence of the Black Sea Fleet. After that, already retired Admiral Solovyov organized and took part in the transportation of humanitarian supplies to the Serbs of Kosovo and Metohija, and I also participated in this. And after that, when the Orange Revolution took place in Kiev, we realized that in order to maintain influence and support our compatriots, the Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, we need to create our cell here — the Institute of the CIS countries in the city of Sevastopol, the first head of this public organization was Vladimir Evgenievich Solovyov. Therefore, this is the Solovyov Readings. But they are held not only in memory, but also to discuss the problems of today.

We are conducting a Special Military Operation, which I, without hiding, call a war, moreover, a war both Patriotic and civil. She has different incarnations. In this war, it is very important from here, from Crimea and Sevastopol, to try to establish a dialogue with those who are in Ukraine. Persuade them, no matter how difficult it may be. But for this it is necessary first of all to emphasize eternal truths, to discuss all the same topics.

There is one more hypostasis. Sevastopol arose thanks to the Black Sea Fleet. Here we are discussing questions related to naval doctrine, to the development of the Black Sea and Navy. For example, not everything suits me in the way our Navy is developing, starting with the fact that for some period the centralized leadership of the fleets was lost, they were transferred to the disposal of land districts. Given the importance of interaction, this also affected the conduct of a specific special military operation.

I don’t want to detail all this, but, of course, the fleet needs very serious attention. And we, the public, civil society, without trying to take on the functions that are not characteristic of us to determine what ships should be, express our doubts and suggestions. This is in the tradition of Russia. And before it was. A large shipbuilding program before the October Revolution in Tsarist Russia was the subject of extensive discussion, discussion in the State Duma, which adopted it, a struggle of opinions about what kind of fleet is needed.

The fleet is a costly thing. It is clear that either you spend money on the fleet or something else, there is always competition. Resources are always limited, and goals are always competitive.

With a welcoming speech on behalf of the Chairman of the State Council of Crimea Vladimir Konstantinov The First Vice-Speaker addressed the audience Yefim Fix, who noted that “in Crimea it is clearly demonstrated that the idea of ​​the Russian world is not narrowly national and not nationalistic, but civilizational in nature. Even now we are at the forefront of the struggle for the Russian world. And not only because Crimea is today a front-line territory, because we are being tested for strength by blockades, boycotts and sanctions. We will overcome all this, because we are Russia.”

Speaking about the inseparable connection between the fleet and the Crimea, he stressed that “the Black Sea Fleet has always stood guard over the southern borders of the Motherland, and hence the Crimea. After the collapse of the USSR, at a critical time, Admiral Igor Kasatonov was appointed commander of the Black Sea Fleet. Thanks to his tough position and competent actions, the Black Sea Fleet of the former USSR was saved for Russia, it was supported by the Black Sea, veteran organizations, Russian patriotic public associations and the parties of Sevastopol, Crimea.

Welcoming words were also delivered by the deputies of the State Duma from Sevastopol Tatyana Lobach And Dmitry BelikDean of the Sevastopol District Archpriest Sergius Halyuta.

The participants of the Readings were Igor KasatonovAdmiral, Advisor to the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Federation, First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy (1992-1999), Commander of the Black Sea Fleet (1991-1992) and Alexander VitkoAdmiral, Commander of the Black Sea Fleet (2013-2018), Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy (2018-2019), First Deputy — Chief of the Main Staff of the Russian Navy (2019-2021).

“The future security system of Russia is being born in the Black Sea,” said Admiral Kasatonov. “Sevastopol and Crimeans should be proud that the Black Sea Fleet had not lost this dominance by the beginning of the North Military District.”

Representatives of the diplomatic corps, social activists, veterans, representatives of the scientific and expert community of the Black Sea Fleet, Sevastopol and Crimea, guests from Poland and Moscow took part in the discussion.

Sergei Gorbachevexecutive director of the Institute of the CIS countries in the city of Sevastopol, emphasized:

Talking about the history of the Black Sea Fleet, which turned 240 years old, and about the 240th anniversary of Sevastopol, it is impossible not to highlight more clearly and vividly the latest history, starting from 1991. And here is a whole bright layer — the development of patronage ties, support for the Black Sea sailors, who, while performing tasks on the territory under the jurisdiction of Ukraine, actually defended the interests of the state in the broadest sense. The Black Sea Fleet did not leave its native harbor thanks to the support of the Russians, thanks to the support of Moscow, Mayor Yuri Mikhailovich Luzhkov, prefectures, educational institutions, ordinary workers and families of compatriots. This support has been going on for thirty years. Now it has been adjusted, but all the same, Moscow takes care of both Sevastopol and the fleet.

During the discussions, it was about history, politics, problems of the humanitarian sphere — education, upbringing, information sphere, preservation of historical memory. The texts of the speeches will be summarized and published in the Second Soloviev Collection, which has already begun to be prepared by the staff of the Institute of CIS Countries in Sevastopol.

The organizers express their gratitude for the support during the Readings to the Head of the Republic of Crimea Sergey Aksenov and the Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Crimea Vladimir Konstantinov.

source: press service of the Institute of CIS countries in Sevastopol

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