Russia sends warships to the Mediterranean

Aiming to build up a permanent fleet in the region, Russia has sent warships from its Pacific Fleet to the Mediterranean for the first time in decades.

The vessels, including the destroyer Admiral Panteleyev, two amphibious warfare ships, the Peresvet and the Admiral Nevelskoi, as well as a tanker and a tugboat, have entered the Mediterranean and are currently heading to Cyprus to make a port call in Limassol, according to the Pacific Fleet’s spokesman.

“The task force has successfully passed through the Suez Channel and entered the Mediterranean. It is the first time in decades that Pacific Fleet warships are entering this region,” Capt. First Rank Roman Martov told RIA.

Russian Navy Commander Adm. Viktor Chirkov on May 12 announced plans for the Mediterranean task force and said it may “possibly” be enlarged to include nuclear submarines.