According to the latest data from Bloomberg, the Russian fleet has strengthened its presence in the Red Sea, sending the Varyag missile cruiser and the Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate there. The press service of the Russian Pacific Fleet reported that the ships are involved in performing tasks as part of a long-distance sea voyage, but the specific goals and final destination of these ships remain uncertain.

The development comes amid rising tension in the region, where attacks on ships have increased in recent months. Yemen's Houthi rebels, who acted in retaliation for Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, have claimed responsibility for a series of attacks in the Red Sea. These actions forced many ships to adjust their routes to avoid possible attacks.

A special feature of the situation was the announcement by the Houthis at the beginning of the month that they would not attack Chinese and Russian ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This statement was made in exchange for a promise of political support from these countries to the Houthi movement in the UN Security Council.