April 9,2008: The admirals in charge of the Russian navy believe they have the go-ahead from the government to create a major aircraft carrier force. A new class of carrier is being designed, based on the experience with the 65,000 Kuznetzov. Construction is to begin in 4-5 years, and the admirals see a force of 5-6 carriers in service over the next half century. Such a long distance plan means that, as a practical matter, the admirals are working to get at least one of this new class of carrier, and then another (you need at least two to insure you always have at least one available.)

Long term, Russia has to fix some fundamental economic and political problems before they could afford 5-6 carrier battle groups.