The United States is mocking Russia's plans to send a naval squadron and long-range patrol planes to the Caribbean for joint military exercises with Venezuela.
Russia's foreign ministry confirmed Monday that it intends to conduct the exercises.
In response, U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack poked fun at Russia's navy. He said that if Russia really intends to send ships to the Caribbean, "then they found a few ships that can make it that far."
The rhetoric comes amid tensions between Washington and both Russia and Venezuela.
Russian officials had promised to respond to U.S. aid shipments to Georgia delivered on warships at Black Sea ports. But Russia said Monday that the exercises with Venezuela were scheduled months ago.
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