Russia may deploy its army in Cuba and Venezuela, warns Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Rybakov

Moscow/ Washington: Russia would deploy its army in Cuba and Venezuela in Latin America if the United States and its allies do not stop their military movements near the Russian border, warned Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Rybakov. Last month, Rybakov compared the Ukraine issue’s strain with the ‘Cuban Missile Crisis’. Against this background, his statements regarding the military deployment in Cuba and Venezuela draws attention.

Moreover, tensions have started escalating between Russia and Ukraine over Russia’s military deployment near the Ukraine border. The three meetings, which took place between Russia and Western countries over the last four days, did not obtain any fruitful outcome. Instead, the United States and other Western nations seem to have dismissed Russian demands in these meetings.

Following that, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Rybakov had stated that the meeting has reached a ‘Dead End’ over the Ukraine issue. After that, his declaration of deploying an army in Latin America had surfaced. ‘It all depends on the actions of our US counterparts,’ said Rybakov. He cited Putin’s warning and added that he could ‘neither confirm nor exclude’ the possibility of deploying the Russian army in Cuba and Venezuela.

Earlier, between 2018 to 2019, Russia had been known to have deployed its army in Venezuela. Besides, claims surfaced that Venezuela permitted Russia to use an airbase near the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. The photographs of Russia landing its bombers and fighter jets had also been published. Besides, Russia and Venezuela are believed to have signed a defence agreement for this. Cuba-Russia also signed a defence agreement in 2019. Consequently, Russia may activate its defence base over there.

Furthermore, the United States has reacted to the warning issued by the Russian minister. US NSA Jake Sullivan has slammed Rybakov’s comments as ‘bluster in the public commentary’. At the same time, he claimed that Russia is prepared to repeat the tactics it used in 2014. The US NSA warned that Russia is planning to attack Ukraine by portraying a picture of Ukraine having attacked the Russian fleet. Meanwhile, media reported US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed with his Ukrainian counterpart. In the meeting, he has assured Ukraine of defence cooperation. A few days ago, news had surfaced about the Biden administration having approved to grant extra ammunition worth $2 million to Ukraine.