Cuba announced on Thursday that a group of Russian naval ships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, will visit the port of Havana next week, highlighting the historically friendly relations between the two nations.
The Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces stated that the Russian fleet, comprising the frigate Gorshkov, the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, the fleet oil tanker Pashin, and the rescue tug Nikolai Chiker, will be in Havana from June 12 to 17. The statement emphasized that none of the ships carry nuclear weapons, and their stopover is not perceived as a threat to the region.
According to Cuba, welcoming naval units from other nations has been a longstanding practice of its revolutionary government, particularly with countries it maintains friendly and collaborative relations with.
While Cuba confirmed the visit, Moscow has yet to officially confirm the information provided. However, it’s not the first time Russian Navy ships have been sent to Cuba. Last July, the Russian Navy’s training class ship Perekop made a four-day visit to Havana.
This upcoming visit appears to be the largest of its kind in recent years. Cuba’s increasing reliance on Russian oil and aid amid its economic crisis underscores the significance of the visit.
The announcement coincides with recent geopolitical tensions, notably between Russia and the United States. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin warned against Western nations supplying weapons to Ukraine, stating that such actions could result in direct involvement in a conflict against Russia.
Despite potential concerns, the Pentagon maintains that Russia’s routine naval operations, including port calls in Cuba, pose no direct threat to the United States. These deployments are expected to increase this summer as part of routine maneuvers leading up to a global naval exercise in the fall.
The presence of Russian ships in the Caribbean, including potential port calls in Cuba and Venezuela, is considered routine by the Pentagon. It’s noted that Cuba has hosted Russian ships annually between 2013 and 2020, with these exercises imposing significant costs on the Russian Navy due to challenges in maintaining readiness with an aging fleet.
In conclusion, while the visit of Russian naval ships to Cuba signifies the enduring friendship between the two nations, it also underscores the complex geopolitical landscape and ongoing tensions between major world powers.
