According to U.S. officials on Wednesday, Russian warships and aircraft en route to the Caribbean for an upcoming military exercise have been under American surveillance. This demonstration of Russian strength comes amidst escalating tensions over Western military aid to Ukraine. The ships are anticipated to potentially dock in Venezuela and Cuba, marking Russia’s establishment of a military presence in the Western Hemisphere. Senior Biden administration officials view this development as noteworthy but not alarming. The military exercise, to be monitored by the U.S., will involve a limited number of Russian vessels and support craft. While Russia has previously deployed ships to the Caribbean, this exercise occurs against the backdrop of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s hints at potential “asymmetrical steps” worldwide in response to President Joe Biden’s authorization for Ukraine to employ U.S.-supplied arms to defend Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

Speaking anonymously to reporters, the officials revealed that the exercise is undoubtedly a component of Russia’s broader reaction to U.S. backing for Ukraine. However, it also serves as Putin’s attempt to showcase his navy’s continued capability for global power projection, particularly in the aftermath of losses sustained due to Ukrainian strikes.

In March, Ukrainian military sources disclosed that Russia had suffered significant losses, with approximately one-third of its Black Sea fleet being targeted in strikes over the past two years of conflict.

Despite Russia’s failure to notify the U.S. of the impending exercise, the movements of the ships have been closely monitored by the U.S. Navy, according to the officials.

While acknowledging that Russia’s lack of notification goes against the norm aimed at preventing misunderstandings, the officials emphasized the right of militaries worldwide to conduct exercises in international waters, a practice regularly observed. For instance, on Friday, around 20 NATO nations, including the U.S., are scheduled to commence BALTOPS 24, a substantial naval and aerial exercise in the Baltic region near Russia.

Anticipating that the Russian ships will remain in the area throughout the summer, the officials predict further exercises of a similar nature in the Caribbean following the conclusion of this one.

Congress was briefed on the upcoming Russian exercises on Wednesday, officials noted.