In the face of growing Russian influence, the United States and the European Union have tried during the past two years to win over Haftar.

The Naval Forces General Staff, aligned with Haftar, announced that the cruiser Varyag and the frigate Admiral Shaposhnikov, two Russian warships, had arrived at the Tobruk naval base in eastern Libya for a working visit.

A ceremony was held last Sunday to greet the Russian warships, and welcoming remarks were exchanged during a reception, as reported on the pro-Haftar General Staff’s Facebook page.

According to the same source, the visit aims to enhance collaboration and alignment between the two sides in the areas of training, maintenance, technical and logistical support.

Additionally, the parties seek to facilitate the exchange of expertise and information, as well as to promote cooperation in maritime security.

In the face of growing Russian influence, the United States and the European Union have tried during the past two years to win over Haftar. There were successive visits by European officials to Benghazi. On two recent occasions, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also offered economic and security contracts and deals in exchange for Haftar’s pledge to cooperate in stopping the flow of migrants towards Europe.

Earlier this month, Martin Andrew, the British ambassador to Libya, met the Libyan army commander in Benghazi to push the view that all parties must participate in the UN political process.