A squadron of Russian warships -- including the nuclear-powered cruiser Pyotr Veliky -- is scheduled to arrive in Venezuelan waters this week. The ships are supposed to take part in joint naval exercises with the Venezuelan navy, but their presence is also symbolic: it's the first time the Russian navy has deployed to the Caribbean since the end of the Cold War.
The Russian navy's Caribbean cruise coincides with an official visit this week by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Russia and Venezuela have been forging an ever-closer partnership, and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has called for a "strategic alliance" between Moscow and Caracas. The Venezuelan military has also been buying up new Russian military hardware: sales have included around 50 combat helicopters, 24 Su-30MK2 fighters, and 100,000 Ak-103 assault rifles. Additional sales are in discussion, including the potential acquisition by Venezuela of three advanced Kilo-class (a.k.a. Project 636) diesel-electric submarines.
Russia's budding alliance with Venezuela not only provides it with an arms export customer, it provides a powerful strategic reply to U.S. policy. Washington's support for a missile defense shield in Europe -- and its backing of the former Soviet republic of Georgia -- have stoked Russian fears of encirclement. Sending a few ships to the Caribbean or flying a few strategic bombers to Venezuela does not make for a direct military threat, but it sends a message to Washington: We can get all up in your hemisphere, too.
The Russian naval visit also comes amid a key electoral test for Chavez. While his allies held onto most of the governorships in regional polling yesterday, his opponents have also made gains. The opposition also won mayoral elections in Caracas, an important victory.
[PHOTO: RIA-Novosti]
