Russia's navy will send its only aircraft carrier to the eastern Mediterranean. This is according to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who said the carrier will join other Russian ships deployed near Syrian shores. He didn't specify when it will be deployed, but Russian media reports say the mission is planned for mid-October.

The Russian naval group in the eastern Mediterranean includes at least six warships and three or four support vessels. Officials from the Russian Defense Ministry said the aircraft carrier is likely to join Russia's anti-terrorist campaign in Syria.