Headed for Retirement: Russia's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, has long been an embarrassment for the Russian Navy. Currently rusting in drydock with its crew sent to the Ukrainian frontlines, there's talk of finally mothballing the troubled ship.

-Plagued by poor craftsmanship, outdated systems, and environmental issues like belching thick black smoke due to its Mazut fuel, the carrier has faced problems since its inception during the Soviet Union's final years. Notably, during its deployment in the Syrian Civil War, the U.S. Navy monitored it—not out of fear, but anticipating it might sink.

-Despite its flaws, the ship symbolizes Russia's tenacity in pursuing naval ambitions, reflecting Putin's determination to restore national greatness, even through questionable decisions.

Russia’s only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, is one of the most enduring embarrassments that the Russian Federation has subjected itself to for years. Today, it sits in drydock, its crew sent to the frontlines of Russia’s bloody war with neighboring Ukraine, and is rusting out. There is much talk both inside Russia and throughout the world that the Admiral Kuznetsov will finally........

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