Dozens of Havana residents recently witnessed Russian warships sailing into Cuba’s main harbour, in a display of naval strength by Moscow amid tensions with the United States. The Caribbean nation has had tense relations with the US for decades, even though they are neighbors. The flotilla’s visit is part of a routine exchange between the two countries’ navies, with the ships expected to stay in Cuba for a few days. The move is seen as a way for Russia to flex its naval muscle in the US’s backyard, following escalating tensions between the two countries.
The Russian fleet includes four vehicles, with the lead ship being the Admiral Gorshkov, a modern frigate capable of carrying out long-range missile attacks. The fleet also includes a nuclear-powered submarine and support vehicles. While US officials downplay the deployment, noting that it is part of normal port-calls between Russia and Cuba, they remain vigilant and monitor the situation. Cuba and Russia have stressed that none of the warships are carrying nuclear weapons, and their presence is not seen as a threat to the region.
Russia and Cuba have long-standing ties dating back to the Cold War, with the former Soviet Union providing financial aid and military support to the ideologically aligned Havana. The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 showcased the deepening ties between the two countries, marked by Moscow transferring nuclear weapons to Cuba. While the fall of the Soviet Union led to economic challenges for Cuba, in recent years, their cooperation has deepened again. Economically, Cuba has been struggling due to US sanctions and shaky government policies, leading them to turn to Russia for support.
In recent years, Cuba has sought to boost economic partnerships with Russia, aiming to draw foreign investors and alleviate their economic crisis. Trade between the two countries has seen significant growth, with bilateral trade reaching $450 million in 2022. Russia has been providing much-needed fuel to Cuba, along with other products like soy oil. Cuban officials have expressed optimism about the strengthening economic ties between the two countries, hinting at further growth in the future. Despite historical ties and recent economic cooperation, the naval show-off in Cuba is seen as a way to underscore the intensifying relationship between Russia and Cuba.
While Russia and Cuba have deepened their economic ties, the US remains a major player in the region, monitoring the situation closely. The deployment of Russian warships in Cuba is seen as a strategic move to remind Washington of its presence in the region and show support for its Latin American allies. Moscow’s decision to send a large convoy of warships to Cuba is also seen as a response to escalating tensions between Russia and the West, following President Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to attack Russian targets with American weapons. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to flex their military muscles in the region.
