WASHINGTON, USA: Russia intends to deploy combat vessels to the Caribbean this summer as part of its naval exercises, with potential port calls in Cuba and possibly Venezuela, a senior U.S. official disclosed on Wednesday.
Although the United States does not consider this deployment of a relatively small number of vessels and aircraft as a direct threat, the U.S. Navy will be monitoring the exercises, the official informed a group of reporters.
Relations between the United States and Russia have become increasingly strained since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The official noted that Russian naval activities have intensified as a reaction to U.S. support for Ukraine. “This move is a demonstration by Russia to show it still possesses some global power projection capabilities,” the official stated.
Briefings about this activity were provided to relevant lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Thursday. The official mentioned, “We expect increased naval and air operations by Russia near the United States this summer as part of their regular military exercises. These will culminate in a global Russian naval exercise this fall.”
These deployments are viewed as routine, and the official emphasized, “We are not alarmed by Russia’s movements, as they do not pose a direct threat to the United States.”
The Biden administration remains unconcerned, noting that Russia has conducted similar operations in the Western Hemisphere annually from 2013 to 2020.
“We anticipate more of this kind of activity in the future,” the official continued. But these operations come at a heavy cost to the Russian Navy, which is finding it difficult to deploy its aging fleet and remain ready.”
The anticipated Russian naval presence in the Caribbean is expected to include port calls in Cuba and potentially Venezuela. According to the official, there may also be some aircraft deployments or flights in the area.
