Dmitry Vladimirov Izvestia (Moscow), March 19, 2001
Question: What do you think of the collision hypothesis?
Berzin, hero of the Russian Federation, Commander at the Naval Academy: It is impossible. The Kursk was moving rather slowly. Besides, judging by the size of the submarine I cannot imagine a collision with such tragic consequences. I believe an internal explosion must have taken place.
Question: Would you say the Russian fleet of submarine still exists?
Berzin: Yes, I do. Of course, it is smaller than it used to be but even a single nuclear submarine is a powerful weapon and a serious factor of nuclear deterrent.