Russia officially confirms that the heavy missile cruiser Variag will join the Russian Navy task force in the Mediterranean

So far, this was only an unconfirmed rumor but now it has received an official confirmation:  heavy missile cruiser Variag will join the Russian Navy task force in the Mediterranean where he will replace the Moskva.  In other words, the Russians want to keep a heavy missile cruiser on station for the foreseeable future.  The rotation of heavy amphibious assault ships is continuing (see here for context).

The Saker

Heavy missile cruiser Variag