Russia to send aircraft carrier to eastern Mediterranean

The Russian navy will send its sole aircraft carrier to the eastern Mediterranean as part of Moscow’s efforts to reaffirm its influence in Syria and showcase its resurgent military might, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday that the Admiral Kuznetsov will sail to the eastern Mediterranean to join other Russian ships in the area. He didn’t specify when the carrier will be deployed, but Russian media have earlier reported that the mission was planned for the fall.

The Soviet-built Admiral Kuznetsov, the only aircraft carrier in the Russian navy, has recently been re-equipped with new Su-33 and MiG-29K fighter jets. It carries about 40 aircraft and is smaller than U.S. aircraft carriers.

The ship is based in Sevoromorsk on the Kola Peninsula and is part of the Russian navy’s Northern Fleet.

Russia has waged a year-long military campaign in Syria that has shored up Assad and allowed his terrorists to seize some some ground. 

Last week, Moscow and Washington brokered a cease-fire in Syria, which is now teetering on the brink of collapse amid renewed fighting and Monday’s attack on a humanitarian convoy.