Despite sharp increases in funding, Russia’s navy has suffered a string of deadly accidents in recent years. This latest disaster is the worst since the Kursk nuclear submarine exploded beneath the Barents Sea in 2000, killing all 118 sailors on board. The then president, Vladimir Putin, was criticised for being slow to react to the incident and reluctant to call in foreign assistance.

Since then the Kremlin has spent heavily on its largely Soviet-era fleet to project an image of strength at home and abroad. But many analysts say the navy in particular is still struggling with the legacy of over a decade of under-funding.

Copyright © 2012 euronews