NEW : Russia supports development , says development partners across globe . Move ##s amid U.S.-Russian tensions over ex - Soviet republic of Crimea . Russian government denies link to ` ` political situation and Caucasian conflict '' Russia and Venezuela may hold joint naval exercises , both countries say .
NEW : Pentagon downplays development , says cooperation happens across globe . Move comes amid U.S.-Russian tensions over ex-Soviet republic of Georgia . Russian official denies link to `` political situation and Caucasian developments '' Russia and Venezuela may hold joint naval exercises , both countries say .