Russian Engagement in the Western Hemisphere

Following the Cold War, Russia began taking more of a pronounced interest in the region especially during the 2008 crisis in Georgia. When the U. S. responded to Russia's aggression in Georgia by sending naval forces to the Black Sea, Russia deployed nuclear-capable bombers to the Caribbean and a four-ship naval flotilla to conduct military exercises with the Venezuelan navy and make port calls in Cuba and Nicaragua. Russia also stepped up its diplomatic outreach with a visit to the region from then-President Medvedev, and subsequent visits from the Presidents of Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia and Ecuador to Moscow. Following Russia's invasion of the Ukraine in 2014, Russia again ushered in another wave of military and diplomatic activities with particular emphasis on anti-American and undemocratic countries, those with close proximity to U. S. borders, or those with unique capabilities of interest to Russia. 2014 proved a very eventful year for Russia in the Western Hemisphere. Reportedly, Russia began talks on Nicaragua, Cuba and Venezuela about establishing bases for resupplying Russian warships and potentially refueling Russian long-range bombers.