As tensions between Moscow and Washington continue to rise over Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Moscow is now planning military drills near the US. A senior US official revealed on June 5 that Russia intends to send warships to the Caribbean this summer for naval exercises, which will likely include stops in Cuba and possibly Venezuela.
“We expect increased Russian naval and air activities near the US this summer as part of their regular military exercises, culminating in a global naval exercise this fall,” the official stated.
The official reassured that the US Navy would closely monitor these drills but does not see the involvement of a few ships and aircraft as a direct threat. He emphasized that these activities are routine for Russia, which aims to showcase its global military capabilities despite the expenses and challenges of maintaining an aging fleet.
Although Russia has not officially notified the US about these drills, the US Navy has been tracking Russian ship movements. Typically, countries inform each other of such activities to avoid miscalculations, but Russia opted not to do so this time.
Conducting military drills in international waters is not uncommon for Russia or other countries. For example, the US and nearly 20 NATO states are set to begin BALTOPS 24, a significant naval and aviation drill in the Baltic Sea, close to Russia. Even before the Ukraine invasion in February 2022, Russia conducted global drills, including Arctic protection exercises in 2022, naval drills in the Mediterranean, joint war games in Venezuela, and major drills off Siberia and Alaska.
This upcoming deployment to the Caribbean is notable as it follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s pledge to respond globally to the US decision to allow Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons against Russia.
Russia has been strengthening ties with Cuba and Venezuela, both of which have long-standing tensions with the US. Cuba, one of the few countries not participating in international sanctions against Russia, has enhanced its relationship with Moscow since February 2022. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has condemned NATO’s expansion towards Russia and announced new economic cooperation with Russia. A Russian naval ship docked in Cuba in July 2023, and a Cuban delegation is currently visiting Russia.
Reports have also surfaced of Russia recruiting Cubans to fight in Ukraine since the latter half of last year.
Venezuela, another country with a strong cooperation history with Russia, has condemned US interference in its affairs. President Nicolas Maduro has accused the West of trying to weaken Russia by escalating the Ukraine war and criticized Western sanctions against Russia. In February, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Venezuela, emphasizing the need to strengthen comprehensive cooperation between the two nations and expressing support for Venezuela’s bid to join BRICS.
The US, which views Latin America and the Caribbean as vital to its security, is closely watching these developments as Russia continues to bolster its presence and alliances in the region.
