in the western Mediterranean Sea, taking part in Russo-Algerian naval exercise between 16 and 17 November, it's unclear whether Russia sent any ship at all to shadow the aircraft carrier, except for the airplanes. On 23 November, Admiral Grigorovich was already reported off Tartus. 2022 In 2022, the Russian Navy operated in the Adriatic Sea for the first time since 1995 Volk's deployment amid US bombardment of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In late July, destroyer Admiral Tributs operated off Šibenik, intelligence ship Vasily Tatishchev operated near island Palagruža, cruiser Varyag operated near Durres, while frigate Admiral Grigorovich remained just outside the Adriatic Sea. As the US carrier Truman was located in the Adriatic Sea at the same time, there were reports in media about Russian warships simulating blocking the US carrier in the Adriatic Sea. In August 2022, Russia deployed Severodvinsk to the Mediterranean Sea, making it the first Russian nuclear submarine in the Mediterranean since Kursk and Tomsk in 1999. Role in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine In conjunction with a build-up of Russian forces around Ukraine and in Belarus, Russia began to reinforce the task force in the Mediterranean toward the end of 2021. The principal movements involved the deployment of two Slava-class cruisers - Marshal Ustinov from the Northern Fleet and Varyag from the Pacific Fleet - to the Mediterranean, together with additional escorts. At the same time, the submarine Rostov Na Donu returned to the Black Sea from the Mediterranean just prior to the outbreak of hostilities. The movements strengthened Russian anti-surface group capabilities in the Mediterranean prior to the outbreak of war. Simultaneously, Bastion-P anti-ship missile batteries were installed at the Russian base in Syria to improve its defensive capabilities. On 28 February, four days after the outbreak of hostilities, Turkey indicated that it was closing the Dardanelles Straits to all foreign warships for the duration of the conflict. Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, argued that the move was consistent with terms of the Montreaux Convention of 1936. An exception would be allowed for Russian ships returning from the Mediterranean to Black Sea bases where they were registered. The move limited Russia's ability to reinforce its naval units in the Mediterranean from the Black Sea though it also effectively confined NATO naval forces to the Mediterranean. During 2022, known Russian naval forces deployed with the task force reportedly included: two Improved Kilo-class submarines (Novorossiysk (B-261)