Additional Coverage:
A group of Russian naval ships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, has concluded a five-day stay in Havana, Cuba, and set sail on Monday. Their departure follows recent military exercises in the Atlantic Ocean, actions that some interpret as Moscow flexing its military muscles amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has seen the U.S. and other Western countries backing Kyiv.
The fleet, comprising the submarine, a frigate, an oil tanker, and a rescue tug, left Havana’s port in the morning, though their next Caribbean destination remains undisclosed. There has been speculation, including comments from U.S. officials, that the ships might head to Venezuela next.
The Biden administration has been keeping a watchful eye on these Russian vessels. Officials have stated that they do not believe the ships pose any imminent threat or signal missile movements in the region. Nonetheless, the United States has stationed its own submarine, the USS Helena, in the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, a location the Cuban government views as unlawfully occupied by the U.S.
The Russian naval presence in Havana was marked by official ceremonies, including a 21-gun salute. Their activities in the Atlantic were highlighted by a military exercise aimed at simulating missile attacks on distant targets.
The presence of these vessels was met with various reactions. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel paid a visit to the Russian frigate, a moment he later shared on the social media platform X.
At the same time, Cuban officials expressed disapproval of the American submarine’s presence at Guantanamo Bay. The U.S.
State Department, however, labeled the Russian ships’ visit to Cuba as standard naval protocol, posing no threat.
The port calls involved not just Russian but also international interest, as highlighted by a visit from the Canadian navy patrol boat Margaret Brooke to Havana. Throughout the Russian fleet’s stay, there were opportunities for the public to tour the frigate, indicating an open approach to these diplomatic and military exchanges.