Cuban officials announced that four Russian ships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, will be arriving in Havana next week. This move underscores the historically friendly relations between Cuba and Russia, as tensions escalate over Western military support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The ships are scheduled to be in Havana between June 12 and June 17, and Cuban officials have emphasized that none of the ships will carry nuclear weapons, and their presence does not pose a threat to the region. This announcement comes after U.S. officials reported that Russian warships and aircraft were expected to arrive in the Caribbean for a military exercise in response to U.S. support for Ukraine.
The Russian military presence in the Caribbean, while notable, has been deemed not concerning by U.S. officials. However, it coincides with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that Moscow could take “asymmetrical steps” in other parts of the world in response to President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weapons to strike inside Russia. The Cuban Foreign Ministry identified the four Russian ships as the frigate “Gorshkov,” the nuclear-powered submarine “Kazan,” the fleet oil tanker “Pashin,” and the salvage tug “Nikolai Chiker.” The arrival of the fleet in Havana will be marked by the firing of 21 salvos as a salute to the nation, which will be reciprocated by an artillery battery of Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces.
The presence of Russian warships in Cuba highlights the close ties between the two nations, with both countries historically sharing friendly relations. This move also comes at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and the West over the conflict in Ukraine, with the U.S. providing military support to Ukraine. Despite the Russian military presence in the Caribbean, U.S. officials have downplayed any concerns, stating that it is part of a broader Russian response to the situation in Ukraine. The arrival of the Russian ships in Havana will be marked by a ceremonial salute, reflecting the mutual respect between Russia and Cuba.
The announcement of the arrival of Russian ships in Havana follows U.S. officials’ reports of Russian warships and aircraft expected to conduct a military exercise in the Caribbean. This exercise is seen as a response to U.S. support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The Cuban Foreign Ministry has emphasized that the Russian ships will not carry nuclear weapons and their presence poses no threat to the region. The Russian fleet’s visit is a symbolic gesture of solidarity between Russia and Cuba, showcasing their historic ties and shared values.
The Russian military presence in the Caribbean comes as President Putin hints at possible “asymmetrical steps” in response to U.S. support for Ukraine. Despite this, U.S. officials have stated that the Russian military presence is not cause for concern. The Cuban Foreign Ministry has identified the four Russian ships set to arrive in Havana, which will mark their visit with a salutary gesture. This event highlights the diplomatic ties between Cuba and Russia, as both nations navigate the complexities of international relations amid escalating tensions in the region.
