A group of Russian Navy ships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, arrived in Cuba on Wednesday, demonstrating their strong alliance. The first ship, a modern frigate named Admiral Gorshkov, fired a salute as it entered Havana harbor, which was answered by Cuban cannons from an old fort.
The convoy also included a submarine, a rescue tug, and an oil tanker, marking the largest Russian naval presence in Cuba in years.
Crowds of onlookers, including locals and the Russian community in Cuba, gathered to watch the ships arrive. Many Cubans said it was the first time they had seen a submarine in Havana. The Russian ships will stay for five days, and the public will be allowed to tour the frigate for a few hours each day over the next three days.
Russian Navy, Including Nuclear Submarine, Arrives in Cuba Demonstrating Strong Alliance
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the ships conducted drills in the Atlantic on their way to Cuba. The US Navy and Coast Guard have been monitoring these activities closely, deploying ships and aircraft to keep track of the Russian vessels. Officials from the US emphasized that this monitoring is routine and that all ships stayed in international waters.
Despite the show of force, US officials and the Cuban government have said that the visit is not a threat. They noted that Russian ships have visited Cuba regularly in the past. The Cuban government also stated that visits are a normal practice in friendly countries.
This visit highlights the strengthening relationship between Russia and Cuba, especially as Cuba faces a severe economic crisis and relies more on Russian aid. The event also reminds people of the historical ties between the two countries, such as during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 when Cuba hosted Soviet missiles.
