After completing a visit to Havana, Cuba, in mid-June, it was confirmed that the Russian Navy flotilla operating in the Caribbean Sea, led by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov, arrived in Venezuela. This new visit can be seen as a challenge to the United States. Earlier, speculation had been circulating about the next port of call for the vessels of the Northern Fleet, hinting at potential stops in countries with friendly relations with Moscow, such as Guatemala and Venezuela.
The first indication of the flotilla’s movements in the Caribbean Sea came from the Dutch Navy’s ocean patrol vessel HNLMS Groningen (P843). Operating as a station ship since April, it tracked the Russian flotilla’s movements towards Venezuela, led by the Admiral Gorshkov frigate. However, photographs released by the Dutch naval commander did not show the presence of the Yasen-M class nuclear-powered submarine Kazan (K-561).
While details remain scarce, open sources suggest that the attack submarine, one of Russia’s most modern, may have returned to its home base in the Northern Fleet after completing its visit to Cuba.
The rest of the flotilla, including the Admiral Gorshkov and the tanker Project 23130 Pashin, departed Havana and arrived yesterday at the port of La Guaira, as evidenced by videos and photos circulating on social media.
The Russian Embassy in Caracas welcomed the Northern Fleet ships, stating: “A welcome ceremony for a detachment of ships from the Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy – the frigate ‘Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov’ and the tanker ‘Akademik Pashin’ – was held at the Venezuelan port of La Guaira.”
While an official schedule of activities has not been released, it is anticipated that the Russian ships may participate in maneuvers or exercises with the Venezuelan National Bolivarian Navy, aiming to strengthen ties between both countries. A delegation from the Russian Navy is expected to take part in the parades and celebrations on July 5 commemorating Venezuelan Independence.
Globally, the presence of one of Russia’s most modern combat vessels cannot be overlooked as a challenge from the Kremlin to the White House. It also serves as a public demonstration of Russia’s strategic projection capabilities in support of its foreign policy objectives in other regions.
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