NATO and US respond to Russian threat to deploy military in Cuba and Venezuela

Admiral Rob Bauer, chairman of NATO's Military Committee, said on Thursday that it would be concerning if Russia deploys missiles in Cuba or Venezuela because of the implications for the security of the allies.

"It's not NATO territory, Venezuela and Cuba, but I can imagine that there are countries, allies, that are concerned about such a possibility," Bauer said at a news conference after meeting the alliance's defense chiefs.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on January 13 in Geneva that Russia would deploy troops in Cuba and Venezuela if tensions with the United States increase.

"Everything depends on the action of our American counterparts," Ryabkov said during an interview with Russian RTVI television.

Admiral Bauer claimed he had not "seen the message" from Ryabkov, and therefore could not give "a military response." However, he considered it "concerning if Russia takes missiles to other countries that could have an impact on security," EFE news agency reported.

Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser to President Joe Biden, said on Thursday that the United States would respond "decisively" if Russia deploys missiles or military infrastructure in Venezuela or Cuba.

The issue has not been discussed during talks between Washington and Moscow this past week, Sullivan said. It could be a "bluff" by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov that should not be taken too seriously, he added.

The United States and NATO have rejected Russia's key demand for guarantees preventing the alliance's expansion into Ukraine and other former Soviet nations, according to Rybakov. The difference in approaches raises doubts about the possibility of continuing the talks in the Swiss city, he added.

Negotiations in Geneva and Vienna failed to reduce tensions between the West and the Slavic country, although Moscow spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged positive nuances in the meeting, reported the AP.

Peskov warned of a total breakdown in U.S.-Russian relations if the proposed sanctions against President Putin and other top civilian and military leaders are adopted. The measures, proposed by U.S. Senate Democrats, would also target major Russian financial institutions if Moscow sends troops to Ukraine.

Peskov criticized the proposals as an attempt to increase pressure on Moscow during the talks and said they would not work.

NATO estimates that Russia has around 100,000 soldiers, tanks, and heavy military equipment ready for combat near Ukraine's eastern border. Russia denies that it is considering an invasion and, in turn, accuses the West of threatening its security by placing military personnel and equipment in Central and Eastern Europe.

In 2014, Russia annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea and supported a separatist insurgency in the eastern part of the country. After seven years of fighting, 14,000 people have died. A 2015 peace deal brokered by France and Germany helped end the battle, however, skirmishes continue.