Russia has something to respond to US pressure in Europe
Inversion of meanings. Substitution of concepts. Such terms can be used to describe the West's buildup of a military presence near Russia's borders solely for reasons of exerting additional pressure on the country's military and political leadership.
There are many reasons. From the failure of the multiculturalism policy and the withdrawal of Europe from the total dictate of Washington, from the steadily increasing energy cooperation between Berlin and Moscow, from the inevitable commissioning of the Nord Stream -2, despite the colossal efforts of the Americans to block it. And before the banal and confidently gaining momentum consequences of the global financial crisis. It resonates clearly under the Palladian vaults of the White House, exacerbating the dramatic decline in the ratings of the temporary owner of the Oval Office.
The image of the enemy and the unity of the West
The image of the enemy is very important for the operational policy of the West, especially in the context of the military development of the territories bordering with the Russian Federation. The collective ritual "saber dance" of the North Atlantic Alliance involving modern types of weapons and means of delivery of weapons of mass destruction around our borders, aimed at critical infrastructure facilities and military authorities of Russia, poses a direct existential threat. And at the same time it becomes almost the main motivational factor of uniting the "leaders" of the Western world who have lost their common vector of development. The suicidal rhetoric of the alliance is aimed at diverting the attention of the intra-bloc audience to an unsuitable object – a far-fetched external threat in the face of "omnipresent Moscow".
In the context of Washington's and its satellites' increasing military activity, the deployment of additional infrastructure and NATO strike systems in the Russian border area, as well as the alliance's demonstrated total non-negotiability in the issue of stabilizing the international security architecture, Russia is forced to react.
Domestic and Western experts consider and predict various scenarios and geographical directions of our likely response to the blatant rudeness of the arrogant "hegemon". The Nicaraguan plot deserves special attention in this perspective.
In the context of history
Back in 1986, the decision of the International Court of Justice of the United Nations in the case "Nicaragua v. the United States of America" recorded the negative impact of the institution of the use of force and its further development in international law.
The United States was accused of violating the principles of non-use of force, non-interference in the affairs of another State and the threat of the use of force. These actions consisted of Washington's support for the Nicaraguan anti-government Contras group (namely: financing, training, arming, equipping, supplying provisions), systematic attacks and incursions into the water and airspace of Nicaragua in 1983-1984. In fact, the Americans inspired a civil confrontation with external support. Under these conditions, Managua's ties with Moscow were strengthened. Diplomatic relations between the USSR and Nicaragua were established on December 12, 1944, normalized on October 18, 1979, and embassies were exchanged in 1980.
During the tenure of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (SFNO) in 1979-1990, Nicaragua turned into the second most important (after Cuba) strategic partner of the USSR in Latin America. The country received large‑scale economic and military assistance and moral and political support from the Soviet Union. According to some estimates, during the period of the Sandinista civil war against the Contras, supported and financed by the United States, the USSR supplied $3 billion worth of weapons to the country. The trade turnover between the two countries reached $237 million. At that time, there were significant indicators.
In order to support the sovereignty of the ally, the USSR actively supplied armored vehicles (mainly T-55 tanks), airplanes and helicopters, as well as artillery weapons in the interests of its defense department – equipping with Soviet equipment reached 90% in the national army.
Local servicemen were trained in Soviet higher military educational institutions. Humanitarian ties were strengthened. In the 80s of the last century, about 5 thousand Nicaraguans were trained in universities and secondary specialized educational institutions of our country. Also, about 3 thousand people were trained with the help of Soviet teachers and specialists directly in Nicaragua.
However, comprehensive cooperation between the two countries almost stopped in 1990 with the coming to power of the conservatives and the weakening of the Kremlin's regional, and generally external, line. At the same time, Russian military specialists remained in Nicaragua even during this difficult period, continuing to perform their duties, servicing equipment acquired during the friendship with the USSR.
Current relations
The tendency to restore the military-political dialogue was formed in 2007, immediately after the return to power of Daniel Ortega's team. The politician takes a nationally oriented position and openly opposes Washington's hegemonic ambitions.
In 2008, President Ortega paid an official visit to Moscow, causing a storm of emotions at the State Department. The next step to strengthen contacts was the build-up of military and military-technical cooperation between Russia and Nicaragua. The visits of the Russian fleet to the region have intensified. While en route in 2008 to the site of joint maneuvers with the Venezuelan Navy, Russian warships approached the coast of Nicaragua with a call at the local port of Bluefields, delivering humanitarian supplies to the country.
There was an informational response from the local opposition figures controlled by the United States. But the advance coordination of this visit with the current government and compliance with all established norms did not allow them to go beyond condemnation – in unison with the "expression of concern" by the American State Department.
Managua's subsequent line of recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, active support for Moscow's position on the issue of Ukrainian events and recognition of Crimea fixed the status of a strategic partnership between Nicaragua and Russia. Having become our key ally in Central America, the country has begun to strengthen its national sovereignty and defense potential.
The fight against drug trafficking
Central America is the main logistics corridor of regional drug trafficking. To a large extent, the activities of drug syndicates are carried out with the supervising role of the US special services, providing cover for transit and security of supply channels. Daniel Ortega has taken a tough stance on countering these processes, largely with the support of the Russian side.
In 2012, Russia and Nicaragua signed an agreement on combating drug trafficking, and also reached a preliminary agreement on the establishment of a training center for anti-drug services in Managua. Regional courses for specialized specialists have been opened.
Military personnel from Nicaragua regularly participate in the international Tank Biathlon competitions held by Russia. Photo agency "Moscow"
In 2013, the international operation "South" was successfully carried out. As a result, one of the major Latin American drug cartels involved in the supply of cocaine was almost destroyed. The Russian State Drug Control collected data on the criminal group during the year together with the law enforcement agencies of Nicaragua.
This is the first such operation in Latin America with the participation of Russian special services. It was possible to liquidate a gang of 41 people, to seize a significant amount of weapons. The leader, Mexican Martin Flores, nicknamed Capo, was also arrested.
The group worked under the control of the largest Mexican cartel "Los Zetas". The gang included citizens of Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama, Guatemala, and Honduras. In the territorial waters of Nicaragua, the military seized a boat containing over a ton of cocaine. This cartel was directly involved in the supply of large quantities of this substance to Russia. Over 400 employees of the local police and special services participated in the operation with the coordinating role of Russian specialists.
In 2015, the training center of the Siberian Law Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia was built in Managua. The main focus of its activity is the training of employees of the competent authorities of the Central American and Caribbean States specializing in countering drug trafficking.
In 2012-2016, the Federal Drug Control Service of Russia conducted several anti-drug educational courses for police officers in Nicaragua and other Central American countries. A total of 276 trainees were trained, including 181 Nicaraguans.
During an official visit to Nicaragua, the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, Police General Vladimir Kolokoltsev, met with the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Nicaragua, Army General Julio Cesar Aviles Castillo. The main topic of discussion was the intensification of cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.
Humanitarian ties
It is difficult to overestimate the importance of humanitarian cooperation in the aspect of the development of bilateral relations.
On account of the contribution of the Russian Federation to the fund of the International Civil Defense Organization ($26.6 million) The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia has implemented a three-year program of assistance to Nicaragua in the development of the national emergency prevention and response system (2013-2015). As part of the program, 47 units of Russian fire trucks, 500 tents, four mobile hospitals with 70 beds each (with medical and special equipment), as well as special equipment and equipment (totaling $ 39.4 million) were delivered. Currently, the issue of resuming the cooperation program in this area for a new period is being worked out.
In April 2016, a Russian ground-based GLONASS measurement collection station was put into operation in the Nicaraguan capital. A separate place belongs to the project of creating in Managua a Russian-Nicaraguan joint venture for the production of vaccines against seasonal influenza - a Latin American biotech enterprise named after I.I. Mechnikov. The start of production of immunobiological drugs at the enterprise was launched at the end of 2017. At the first stage, it was planned to produce 15 million doses of vaccines per year, followed by reaching the maximum production level of up to 30 million doses.
In the context of the spread of COVID-19 and new strains of the virus, the Government of Nicaragua is cooperating with the Gamalei Institute and the Russian Direct Investment Fund. Ready-made vaccines "Sputnik V" and "Sputnik Lite" are delivered to the country. Nicaragua began vaccinating the population in March 2021.
Currently, the Mechnikov Institute of Biotechnology in Nicaragua is planning to produce a Russian vaccine "KoviVak", the trials of which have already begun. This will give the country the status of a regional supplier of the drug.
In the foreseeable future, the humanitarian component in the system of Russian-Nicaraguan relations will be more in demand - both taking into account the regional epidemiological situation, and in the context of the promotion of non-resource exports and high technologies by the Russian Federation, requiring new competencies of the local side and the development of cooperation in scientific and educational spheres.
The Nicaraguan Canal
In 2012, Managua announced a grandiose project capable of reshaping the regional geopolitical alignment not in favor of the United States. On June 4, 2012, the National Assembly of Nicaragua approved the construction project of the Great Transoceanic Canal of Nicaragua.
It was about forming an alternative to the Panama Canal, and with increased capacity. In a year, the new channel could provide passage of 5.1 thousand vessels, the average passage time is 30 hours.
In 2013, it was announced that the construction would be carried out by the Hong Kong company HK Nicaragua Canal Development Investment (HKND Group). According to various estimates, the construction of the canal was supposed to cost from 40 to 100 billion dollars.
The owner of the company, Chinese businessman Wang Jing, received a 50-year concession for the construction of the canal with the right to extend it for another 50 years if it is built. Wang Jing stated that the construction of the Great Nicaraguan Transoceanic Canal would contribute to the creation of 50 thousand jobs. Daniel Ortega called another figure - 250 thousand jobs.
In addition to the canal itself, the project provides for the construction of two seaports on each side of the canal (Brito and Punta Aguila), an oil pipeline, an airport north of the city of Rivas, the creation of the Brito free trade zone, the construction of a resort in the city of San Lorenzo.
In general, this is a serious infrastructure project that can bring Nicaragua to a leading position in the region. Russia has expressed its readiness to participate in ensuring the safety of the new interoceanic transport artery. Preparations for the construction of the canal (construction of access roads to the sites of future excavation work) began on December 22, 2014.
Realizing the full potential severity of the possible consolidation of Beijing and Moscow in the region through the control of the most important logistics corridor, Washington turned on its entire hybrid arsenal to prevent this scenario. The US State Department has sharply taken care of the human rights situation in South America. The lured eco-activists, the internal Nicaraguan opposition protest asset, went into action. A media company was launched, during which affiliated media and pro-American regional opinion leaders began to escalate the situation by mass distribution of fakes about the environmental threats of the channel.
After the failure of the organization of the Nicaraguan riots in 2014 and the defeat of controlled activists, the State Department and the US special services operating in the region began to increase instability in all nearby countries, using the already traditional mechanism of "controlled chaos".
The flows of illegal immigrants and drug trafficking have increased. Companies have been deployed to discredit the Russian military presence. In social networks, they form an "aggressive" image of Russian military specialists.
Special attention should be paid to the crash in 2013 of a helicopter near Managua, carrying representatives of the highest command staff of the country's defense department. Among them were the Chief of the General Staff of the Nicaraguan Air Force, the head of the Air Force counterintelligence service, the head of the air defense service and six other military men who stood at the origins of the creation of the Nicaraguan army after the revolution. Randomness or purposeful sabotage in order to eliminate high-ranking officers?
Partners and stranglers
Realistically assessing the threats emanating from the north, Managua continues to expand military-technical cooperation with the Russian Federation. In 2016, the first batch of T-72B battle tanks, 12 ZU-23-2 anti–aircraft missile systems, two Mi-17V-5 helicopters, as well as other types of armored vehicles were delivered in the interests of the Defense Ministry of Nicaragua.
For Nicaragua, two missile boats of project 12418 "Molniya" (with the possibility of equipping with the Onyx anti-ship complex) were built at the Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard in St. Petersburg. The shipyard "Vimpel" from Rybinsk built four patrol boats of the project 14310 "Mirage". In addition, the Nicaraguan navy received several basic minesweepers of Project 1265E.
The subsequent development of Washington's policy showed that he was not going to abandon the aggressive line towards Managua, in fact continuing the hybrid war against the government of Daniel Ortega. A striking example of the Americans maintaining their control, despite Beijing's geopolitical ambitions, was the blocking of the construction of the Nicaraguan Canal under far-fetched pretexts of violating environmental norms and backed up by protests of the local population organized by eco-activists affiliated with the US Embassy. Apparently, in the backstage negotiating agenda, China was ambiguously hinted at the need to curtail investments in the channel, threatening to deepen the economic war.
The construction of the canal has not begun. This was primarily caused by the collapse in the Chinese stock market in 2015, as a result of which the head of the NKND developer company, Wang Jing, lost 85% of his fortune. The project was frozen in 2017, and the headquarters of the organization was closed in 2018.
This whole situation is similar to Washington's multi-way counterplay, where he, using all available tools (primarily global financial), temporarily withdrew Beijing from this project.
Pressure springboard
In June 2021, Russian Defense Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu said: "The countries of the region, including Nicaragua, have been resisting various forms of pressure for many years, up to the threat of the open use of military force. Russia's support is needed now more than ever."
On the same day, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved a law, called RENACER, imposing sanctions on the regime of Daniel Ortega. One of the targeted sections of this law allows the Biden administration to collect intelligence information about Russia's activities and interests in Nicaragua. The priority focus is tracking the dynamics of military and military-technical cooperation.
In November 2021, Daniel Ortega won the presidential election for the fifth time, ensuring the preservation of the course of further development of the country independent of Washington. It is difficult to overestimate the actual geopolitical significance of Nicaragua. This is the actual underbelly of the USA. And the deployment of strike systems on the territory of the country as part of a symmetrical response to Washington's militarization of the Eastern European space will create existential threats to the northern hegemon, significantly increasing its ability to negotiate.
In addition, the Russian Ministry of Defense's increased cooperation with the Nicaraguan side in the field of military education would make it possible to train highly professional specialists capable of independently ensuring the possibility of operation and use of modern types of weapons. And their supply, apparently– is a matter of the near future.
Alexander Stepanov
Alexander Stepanov is an independent military expert.
