Moscow is apparently getting bolder with its intentions. Warships from the Russian Federation have caused great concern as the fleet heads off toward the Middle East probably to beef up Putin's forces in Syria.
The battle-ready sea vessels will sail across the North Sea and the English Channel or West of Ireland.
According to one diplomat, the armada is the biggest naval positioning since the Cold War.
This contingent, which is believed to be a joint task force from Russia's Baltic, Black Sea and Northern fleets, will join other ships that are already stationed off the Syrian shoreline. Within this context, it is possible that the main flotilla is already in place near Damascus.
Proceeding through the northern waters of Europe, the battle group is spearheaded by the recently-restored aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov. Peter the Great, a huge nuclear cruiser, is among the surface ship escorts protecting the Russian Navy's flagship.
While the move is seen as Vladimir Putin's show of might, it cannot be denied that this development is a political statement aimed at hitting Russian detractors following anti-Moscow sentiments related to helping the Al-Assad regime in Syria.
It is expected that the UK's Royal Navy will monitor Russian activities at sea together with its NATO partners. Initially, the destroyer HMS Duncan joins the HMS Richmond in shepherding the foreign warships in heading south. Meanwhile, the HMS Dragon is also due to shadow a couple of Russian corvettes that were sailing north.
The Admiral Kuznetsov, which carries around fifty aircrafts including helicopter gunships and warplanes, is on its primary military assignment. A tug boat is on hand to assist the 31-year old carrier which has been hampered by mechanical difficulties in the past.
Although the participation of the Russian Navy in the Syrian conflict is minimal, it is highly-anticipated that more strikes from ships based in the Mediterranean and the Caspian Sea will be seen as the flotilla reaches the Middle East.
