Russian frigate paid a five-day port visit to Eritrea, triggering concerns about Russia deploying its naval fleet in the Red Sea to counter U.S.-led naval presence in the region. On Thursday, March 28, the Russian Pacific fleet's frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov arrived in Eritrea's Port of Massawa for a five-day visit. The frigate was joined in the Red Sea by the missile cruiser Varyag. India's naval ship recently conducted a similar tour of Massawa. Citing the Russian Pacific Fleet's press department, Tass reported that the ships were doing "assigned tasks within the framework of the long-range sea campaign." Eritrea's Ministry of Information ended the confusion by releasing photographs and announcing Marshal Shaposhnikov's port visit to Massawa to mark the 30th anniversary of Russia-Eritrea diplomatic relations. According to reports, the frigate was handed over to Eritrea's navy during a ceremony attended by senior government officials.
The vessel will remain in port until April 5.
Eritrea and Russia's bilateral relationship has strengthened over the last decade. During Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Eritrea was one of only four countries to vote against a UN General Assembly resolution condemning the invasion. Eritrea's Support for Russia: In 2023, Eritrea's President, Isaias Afwerki, announced support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Eritrea is critical geopolitically for Russia, particularly in achieving its long-standing objective of maintaining a permanent military presence in the Red Sea. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hailed the Massawa port's logistics capabilities during his first state visit to Eritrea last year.
With Ethiopia and Somaliland's recent agreement on sea access, regional politics in the Horn of Africa are nearly at a turning point. Ethiopia has long coveted access to Eritrea's Red Sea port of Assab, which was previously part of its territory before Eritrea gained independence in 1993.
Turkiye is also involved for the time being, as it will give Somalia with navy training and vessels. The Turkish move aims to provide stability to Ethiopia and Somalia.
