April 7, 2026
PHNOM PENH – Two warships from the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) this morning, April 6, for a three-day visit to Cambodia.
The two vessels, the Sovershenny (333) and the Rezky (343) are both Steregushchiy-class corvettes. They are skippered by Captain Shmagin Artem and Captain Kovalev Evgenii, with a total crew of 262 sailors.
They were welcomed by Rear Admiral In Sokhemra, deputy commander of the Ream Naval Base, alongside 60 Cambodian naval personnel. Anatoly Borovik, Russian ambassador to Cambodia, was also in attendance, according to AKP.
The visit aims to promote defence relations and closer cooperation between Cambodia and Russia.
During the port call, the Cambodian and Russian naval forces will also stage a friendly football match.
Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, told The Post that the visit demonstrates that relations between Cambodia and Russia have shown no signs of decline, despite Cambodia previously voting in favour of a UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which the Kremlin refers to as a “special military operation”.
“Cambodia has clearly stated its diplomatic position, which is to oppose the use of military force by one country to invade another sovereign state. However, the relationship between Cambodia and Russia remains a long-standing traditional friendship dating back to the Cold War era,” he added.
He believed that the visit is a golden opportunity for Cambodia to build and strengthen ties with Russia across all sectors, particularly in defence. It provides an opportunity for the Cambodian military to exchange experience and techniques with their Russian counterparts.
According to Phea, in the context of intense global geopolitical competition, diversifying defence cooperation with various countries — especially major powers — is a strategic balance for Cambodia to ensure its survival, stability and peace. This is often part of a defence strategy for small states.
He added that besides the security sector, this event could also serve as a bridge to promote cooperation in the energy sector while the world is facing a fuel crisis.
Cambodian ports have hosted visits from the ships of several major powers, including China, the US, Australia, the UK, India and Japan. Cambodia has affirmed that its ports, particularly the Ream Naval Base, are open to docking requests from all friendly nations.