“We are puzzled by the ship command’s inability to control the observation of order on board and lack of responsibility for the hardware commissioned to them. More than that, over the past months of 2004, hardware worth about 400,000 rubles (over $13,000) was embezzled,” the source was quoted by RIA Novosti as saying.

The Peter the Great has been put into dry dock after the commission of the Main Headquarters of the Russian Navy checked her two weeks ago. The inspection followed a statement by the top Russian Navy commander who said that the condition of the nuclear cruiser was so poor it could blow up at any moment. He later softened his remarks–which caused widespreaed alarm–saying the boat was taken off the water for routine housekeeping checks.