Definition: In this task, you will be presented with a passage and have to answer a question based on your understanding of the events inferred from the passage. Try to find the best answer that is most likely to fill in "_". Note that the URLs in the text have been replaced with [Link].
Input: (CNN) Russia is believed to be sending a massive naval task force, with warships from its Northern, Baltic and Black Sea fleets, to the Mediterranean Sea in preparation for what could be a major escalation in the conflict in Syria. It's the largest naval deployment since the end of the Cold War, according to a diplomat speaking to Reuters. Russian defense officials say there are a number of heavily armed vessels already positioned in waters off the Syrian coast. They will soon be joined by a formidable flotilla of Russia's heaviest naval armor -- now steaming through northern European seas -- including the country's sole aircraft carrier, the recently refitted Admiral Kuznetsov.Western observers fear that Russia is building up its naval forces ahead of a possible major assault on rebel positions in SyriaOnce the Russian fleet arrives, Moscow will have the firepower to push for a decisive military victory 
 Question:This is the first time the _ -- which can carry up to 50 aircraft including strike planes and helicopter gunships -- has been deployed on a combat mission.

Admiral Kuznetsov