This List of current Russian Navy ships presents a picture which can never be fully agreed upon in the absence of greater data availability and a consistent standard for which ships are considered operational or not. The Soviet Navy, and the Russian Navy which inherited its traditions, had a different attitude to operational status than many Western navies. Ships went to sea less, and maintained capability for operations while staying in harbour. The significant changes which followed the collapse of the Soviet Union then complicated the picture enormously. Determining which ships are operational or in refit can be difficult. Jane's Fighting Ships has noted in recent editions that some ships have little capability, but remain flying an ensign so that crews are entitled to be paid.