Written by Samuel Reed.

The United States is closely monitoring Russian warships and aircraft expected to arrive in the Caribbean for military exercises in the coming weeks. This maneuver comes as tensions escalate due to Western military support for Ukraine, according to U.S. officials. These ships might also make port calls in Venezuela and Cuba, marking Russia’s strategic presence in the Western Hemisphere. Although senior Biden administration officials noted this development as notable, they did not express immediate concern. The U.S. military will keep an eye on the exercise, which involves a limited number of Russian ships and support vessels.

This is not the first time Russia has deployed its ships to the Caribbean, but the current exercise is significant. It follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion of taking “asymmetrical steps” globally in response to President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons for strikes inside Russia to defend Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

A Broader Strategy by Russia

Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the exercise as part of Russia’s broader response to U.S. support for Ukraine. It’s also a demonstration by Putin that his navy still possesses global power projection capabilities, despite losing several ships to Ukrainian strikes. Ukrainian military officials reported in March that Russia had lost one-third of its Black Sea fleet over the past two years of conflict.

The U.S. Navy has been tracking the movement of these ships, even though Russia did not notify the U.S. of the pending exercise. Such notifications are typically made to avoid miscalculations. However, international law permits military exercises in international waters without prior notification. For instance, about 20 NATO countries, including the U.S., are set to begin BALTOPS 24, a significant naval and air exercise in the Baltic region near Russia.

Future Implications and Continued Monitoring

The Russian ships are expected to remain in the Caribbean throughout the summer, conducting follow-up exercises after the current one concludes. Congress was briefed on these upcoming Russian exercises on Wednesday. This continued presence underscores Russia’s intent to maintain a military foothold in the Western Hemisphere, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Our Take

Russia’s decision to send warships to the Caribbean amid heightened tensions over Ukraine is a strategic move to showcase its military reach. While the Biden administration downplays immediate concern, the significance of Russia’s maneuvers cannot be overlooked. This action not only demonstrates Russia’s defiance against Western support for Ukraine but also underscores the ongoing struggle for global influence. The U.S. must remain vigilant and prepared to respond to these developments to ensure regional stability and deter further escalation.