The Libyan National Army (LNA) Navy said that on 16 June, two Russian warships, the guided missile cruiser Varyag (Slava class, commissioned in 1989, flagship of the Pacific Fleet) and the guided missile destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov (Udaloy class, commissioned in 1985, Pacific Fleet) arrived in Tubruq from Egypt. The force is expected to remain in Tubruq until 19 June.
The LNA said the ships were there under the directives of commander Khalifa Haftar ‘to advance the development of the armed forces, particularly the naval forces.’ The visit aimed to ‘strengthen cooperation and coordination between the Libyan and Russian navies in training, maintenance, technical and logistical support, exchange of experiences and information, and maritime security, benefiting both countries.’ LNA naval officers welcomed the Russian commanders at the Tubruq Naval Base.