Russia is in the process of expanding its military presence in eastern Libya, potentially establishing a naval base that would give it a significant foothold in Europe’s southern vicinity.

An agreement related to defense matters is currently under negotiation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Libya’s eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar.

This development follows their meeting in Moscow in late September, as reported by sources familiar with the situation who preferred to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the matter.

The increased Russian involvement in Libya poses a new challenge to the United States and its European allies, Al Arabiya reported.

They are already engaged in a standoff with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and its potential role in broader Middle East conflicts, particularly arising from the Israel-Hamas conflict.

It’s worth noting that Russia has been deeply involved in neighboring Syria throughout the country’s decade-long civil war.

The threat is being taken “very seriously by the US administration,” said Jonathan Winer, a former US special envoy to Libya. “Keeping Russia out of the Mediterranean has been a key strategic objective — if Russia gets ports there, that gives it the ability to spy on all of the European Union.”

Written by B.C.Begley