Russian Warships On Standby To Sail To Gulf

The Guardian (UK) ^ | 1-10-2002 | Nick Walsh

[blam]

Russian warships on standby to sail to Gulf

Nick Paton Walsh in Moscow
Friday January 10, 2003
The Guardian

Russia has put three warships on standby to go to the Persian Gulf within the next month to protect its "national interests" in the event of an American invasion of Iraq. Russia's Pacific fleet has been ordered by the central command to prepare two cruisers and a fuel tanker for immediate deployment to the Gulf.

The move will heighten tension between Moscow and Washington, who both have interests in Iraq's oilfields.

The Marshal Shaposhnikov and the Admiral Panteleyev cruisers would be called upon to defend Russian "national interests" in the Gulf if the conflict between Iraq and the US escalates.

The ships - armed with missiles and reconnaissance equipment - have been ordered to be ready for deployment between late this month and early February.

Lukoil, Russia's biggest oil firm, had a £13bn contract with Baghdad to develop the West Qurna oilfield cancelled last month, reportedly after the Iraqi regime discovered Russia had been negotiating with Iraq's opposition.

Military analysts pointed out that the defence of "national interests" may also refer to the Russian military's desire to conduct surveillance on both sides during any conflict.

[mhking]

Tick....tick....tick....tick....tick...

[2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten]

I read the sentence

Russia has put three warships on standby to go to the Persian Gulf within the next month

as

Russia has put its three warships on standby to go to the Persian Gulf within the next month

I know the article doesn't say that, but isn't it true that the Russian navy is a shadow of its former (Soviet) self?

[Spruce]

Spy ships to watch our latest toys and methods. We would do the same.

[blam]

"Spy ships to watch our latest toys and methods. We would do the same."

Yup. Routine.(?)

[mark the shark]

Do you think or know if they did the same thing during Desert Storm? I would like to know if they did. I'll bet they are not to happy about the oil deal that fell threw though.

[xNavspook]

If I read that France has deployed it’s ship fleet then I’ll know we’re in BIG trouble.

[blam]

Chirac Tells His Armed Forces To Be Ready For War (Iraq)

[MJY1288]

"know the article doesn't say that, but isn't it true that the Russian navy is a shadow of its former (Soviet) self?

This is all we need to counter the Russian War Ships :-)

[txhurl]

OMG, that's too funny.. a mad, mad, mad, mad dash for the oil patch! Running over the French!

You are correct, I'm not sure if Russia even noticed Gulf War I.

[MJY1288]

The Russians did deploy a few ship into the Gulf during the Gulf War. I will see if I can find an article

[Orion78]

"A top military official said Russia's new military doctrine, which expands the conditions under which nuclear weapons could be used, also applies to protecting allies, the Interfax news agency reported Tuesday."

"The doctrine had raised concerns among some observers because it says Russia could use nuclear weapons if other means to repel an aggressor fail. Previous policy said nuclear weapons could be used only if Russia's sovereignty was threatened."

---

Russia Strengthens Ties with Iraq - Road from Washington to Moscow passes through Baghdad (4/18/01)
US blasts Russia, China for opposition to Iraq sanctions plan (6/26/01)
Russian Foreign Minister Opposes U.S. Military Actions Against Iraq (2/14/02)
Russian Duma to Issue Resolution in Support of Iran & Iraq (2/20/02)
Russia, Iraq to Sign $40B Deal (8/17/02)
Blow for Bush as Russia agrees £27bn Iraq deal (8/19/02)
U.S. warns Russia over Iraq, Iran ties (8/21/02)

[struwwelpeter]

If the anchor chains aren't rusted solid, they've got at least 4 more they can send.

[Mo1]

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[Bobby777]

no doubt they'll be gathering RADINT/TELINT/ELINT/COMINT/etc by spy bird ... I presume they still have a few flying ... what's their equivalent of RC-135(x)'s? ... I know they fly some recon bears and probably a converted IL-76 (like the Beriev A-50 Mainstay) ...

you might have to re-enlist for a little time ... hehe ...

[struwwelpeter]

Don't forget the hospital ship!

[UCANSEE2]

What does this need a motor for? Just point the gun backwards and shoot. You will go forward.

[UCANSEE2]

Picture of Coast Guard under Bill Clinton's plans, and how he intended to defend our shores.

[struwwelpeter]

America has few secrets that are not for sale. As for the rest, this helps...

[CaptSkip]

Thanks for the laugh! It's been a tuff day...dog killing cops, et al.