Russian troops can be sent to Nicaragua under existing laws in the Central
American country.
The comments were made by Russia's ambassador in Managua amid a new standoff
with Washington over the Kremlin's prospects of increasing its military
presence in the region.
Speaking to RIA Novosti on Friday (4/2/2022), Alexander Khokholikov, who
also serves as Russia's Ambassador to Honduras and El Salvador, commented on
the possibility of housing foreign troops within Nicaragua's borders.
"The government passes a law every year on foreign military presence in
Nicaragua's territory," he said.
He added, “This provides the possibility of transit and presence of
servicemen, as well as military equipment from a number of countries,
including Russia and, incidentally, the US, for the exchange of experiences
in the field of military cooperation, joint exercises, and activities in the
fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.”
According to the diplomat, “Military cooperation between Moscow and Managua
is not aimed at third countries,” despite a worsening dispute with the US
over potential deployments.
Khokholikov added, "Despite the current political situation in the world and
the opportunistic outburst of tensions by the West in relations with Moscow,
the enhancement of Russia-Nicaragua cooperation in trade, economic, cultural
and humanitarian fields, as well as in the military field is considered."
His remarks came after Russian President Vladimir Putin last month agreed to
strengthen partnerships with the leaders of Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua in
various fields, including increasing military cooperation.
Earlier that month, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov refused
to rule out sending troops to Latin America. He simply said, “It is American
style to have several options for its foreign and military policy.”
"The Russian president has spoken several times about what actions can be
taken, for example involving the Russian Navy, if things provoke Russia, and
further increasing military pressure on us by the US," he said.
Washington, however, denounced suggestions that Russian troops could be
stationed in Venezuela and Cuba, which are nearly 100 miles from the US
coast.
In mid-January, United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan
warned, "If Russia moves in that direction, we will face it decisively."
Tensions between the US and Russia have been strained in recent months, with
Western leaders sounding the alarm that Moscow's armed forces are preparing
to attack Ukraine.
The Kremlin, however, has repeatedly stated it has no intention of attacking
its neighbour, and is instead seeking ways to get written guarantees to stop
NATO expansion closer to Russia's borders. However, the request was rejected
by NATO.
