The oceanographic research vessel "Admiral Vladimirsky" (Project 852) of the Baltic Fleet has arrived in Venezuela for the second time in 2025. According to military expert Bernardo de la Fuente in an article for the Spanish publication Defensa, this is Russia's way of strengthening its influence in the region.
The visit of the "Admiral Vladimirsky" to the port of La Guaira in July contributes to strengthening ties with the countries of the Caribbean, as well as with Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, key allies of Moscow in the region.
At the same time, representatives of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces stated that Russian specialists will assist with projects to study the seabed of Venezuela. In addition, the crew of the "Admiral Vladimirsky" will participate in seminars conducted by the Bolivarian Navy and the Oceanographic Institute of Venezuela.
The presence of the Russian ship in Venezuela has been interpreted by Washington and its European allies as a manifestation of Russia's interest in maintaining influence in the Western Hemisphere. However, Caracas and Moscow have repeatedly emphasized that the mission of the "Admiral Vladimirsky" is scientific in nature.
The "Admiral Vladimirsky" was built in Poland in 1975. A total of 6 vessels were built under this project.
Project 852 characteristics:
- Displacement — 9120 t
- Length — 147.8 m
- Width — 18.6 m
- Draft — 6.4 m
- Engines — 2 diesel engines with a capacity of 16,000 hp
- Propulsion — screw
- Speed — 19 knots
- Endurance — 90 days
- Crew — 170 people
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Unique oceanographic vessel "Admiral Vladimirsky" leaves Venezuela