Russian Naval Ships Dock in Venezuela Amid Atlantic Exercises

Two Russian naval ships docked in Venezuela's port of La Guaira after exercises in the Atlantic Ocean. The frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the oil tanker Akademik Pashin highlight the close ties between Moscow and Maduro's government. This visit occurs as Maduro plans to seek reelection.

Two Russian naval ships, the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the oil tanker Akademik Pashin, have docked in Venezuela's port of La Guaira following exercises in the Atlantic Ocean. Moscow stated that these operations aimed to 'show the flag' in remote, crucial regions, with an initial stopover in Cuba.

The vessels are part of Russia's Northern Fleet, which has been operational since May 17, focusing on tasks including 'guaranteeing the Russian naval presence' in distant ocean areas, according to Russia's Ministry of Defence as cited by the news agency Tass.

This visit, meant to last several days, underscores the strong relationship between Russia and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's administration, a bond also shared with Maduro's predecessor, Hugo Chávez. The Russian ships' arrival occurs ahead of Maduro's bid for reelection in the July 28 elections.

While Venezuelan authorities have not reported the vessels' arrival, Associated Press journalists observed their crews in La Guaira's historic center. Previously, in mid-June, these ships docked in Havana, Cuba, along with a nuclear-powered submarine, following drills in the Atlantic aimed at showcasing Moscow's strength amidst ongoing tensions with the US and other Western nations over the Ukraine conflict.

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