WesWorld

Black Sea Fleet's 2nd Battle Squadron (3x Imperitritsa Maria class and 1x Imperator Nikolai I class, 12x12", 21 kts) departed Sevastopol this morning, with initial destinations of Tunis, and Brest, France subsequently. 2nd Battle Squadron is escorted by 2nd Destroyer Flotilla (1 Besstrashniy class Flotilla Leader, 6x6" 33kts and 12 Chastlyvy class destroyers, 3x3.9" 31.5 kts).

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Flota Nikolai G. Kuznetsov remarked concerning deployments above:

"Government of Russian Federation have concerns relating to safety of Russian fleet assets recently assigned to Carribean Sea. In no case will Russian Federation naval ships, or other ships in their charge, lack for adequate support."

Late last night 2nd Battle Squadron and 2nd Destroyer flotilla arrived at Tunis, North Africa, after uneventful voyage from Constantinople. Crews have been granted two days liberty, while ships refuel and prepare for voyage to Brest, France.

Early this morning, 2nd Battle Squadron and 2nd Destroyer Flotilla of Russian Federation Black Sea Fleet dropped anchor at French naval base at Brest after uneventful voyage from Tunis.

It is rumored that these forces may soon proceed to French naval base at Cayenne, French Guiana, but rumor is unconfirmed. A Captain of this reporter's acquaintance told this reporter that "We are concerned about attitude of US government if we sail to Carribean Sea now. US Government still maintains Monroe Doctrine, and present risk to Russian cruisers and corvettes already operating there do not warrant friction that would be caused if 2nd Battle Squadron were sent there without provocation. Government of Russian Federation have conveyed most explicit assurances to US Government that Russian Federation seeks no long-term presence in Carribean Sea, but these assurances have been accepted coldly. Sending 2nd Battle Squadron now would be needless irritant to already strained US-Russian relations."

I think the key may be "French Guyana".
When you go back through all the news articles, you'll notice that France and the Russian Federation are allies (together with Atlantis). France has a lot of colonies and the fleet it is allowed might not be big enough to protect all the territories, especially with the formation of the South American Quadruple Alliance. The RF, though it has a lot of coastline to cover (part of which will be shielded off by ice), does not have any colonies and a much bigger navy. So it is quite possible that they are helping out its ally.
But that is speculation on my part. The Admiral might be able to explain it better (especially when he has something else in mind).

Walter

Quoted

But that is speculation on my part.

That speculation is partially correct. Recall Morskoi Sbornik's announcement of 7/5/21:

"Government of Russian Federation announce sailing of 4th Cruiser Squadron and 15th and 16th Corvette Flotillas to French naval base at Cayenne. One Betelgeuse class oiler accompanies them. 4th Cruiser Squadron consists of four Admiral Lazarev class light cruisers, and the two Corvette Flotillas consist of twenty Lilya class corvettes. These ships are expected to take up maritime patrol duties in South American waters.

In a related announcement the French government reates that 4th Flotilla Torpellieurs, consisting of 12 Arabe class destroyers, and the Seaplane Cruiser Aviator, have also departed for Cayenne."

These forces were sent to contribute to a joint Atlantis/Iberia/France/Russia force to protect neutral shipping. Subsequently, the South American Quadruple Alliance was formed. The Russian Federation considered that, in view of this development, the joint naval force might require reinforcement in some circumstances. These circumstances have not arisen, and as long as they do not, 2nd Battle Squadron will stay at Brest, and will eventually return to Sevastopol.

The Russian Federation indeed have no direct interest in the Carribean, and do not desire to have any.

Rooijin is preaty close, the FAR alliance is currently engaged in nuetrality defence of a group of South American country's who have expressed consearn about the recent war between Nordmark and Argentina. Given the Argi's recent alliance with other South american nabours the fears of the war escolating gave rise to a South american summit where the FAR alliance and Iberia (spain and portugal united) promice to send "tripwire" troops to protect them and ensure their Nuetrality is not egnored. If these troops are attacked they in effect declair war against several powerfull nations.
Belgium suffered a similar fate in WW1 at the hands of Germany so the Entente powers are seeking a more pro-active aproach to the problem. In addition Atlantis France and Iberia have colony's in the region that need protecting so its also in their national interests.