Russian President Vladimir Putin boarded the Varyag missile cruiser as Russia’s Pacific Fleet conducted the final stage of major naval exercises. Footage from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk shows Putin wearing a naval uniform as he is welcomed aboard by the crew before touring the warship and signing its guest book. The exercises involved around 60 warships and support vessels, along with aircraft, helicopters and drones, and more than 3,000 servicemen, according to the information provided. The drills were conducted across the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk and the northwestern Pacific. Putin’s appearance aboard the guided-missile cruiser comes as Moscow showcases the scale of its Pacific Fleet operations. The footage provides a striking look at the Russian president directly observing the naval exercises and Russia’s military presence in the Pacific.