ST. PETERSBURG, July 26. /TASS/. Large warships will remain the backbone of naval development, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with Russian Navy service members.

"But when it comes to large warships, they will remain the backbone of the Navy. I am not even referring to nuclear-powered submarines carrying long-range intercontinental missile systems, but also to surface combatants, including frigates, cruisers and others," Putin said.