Russian Naval Ships, Including Nuclear-Powered Submarine, Set to Visit Cuba
Havana, Cuba — A group of Russian naval ships, which includes a nuclear-powered submarine, is scheduled to visit Cuba next week in line with the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries, as stated by Cuba’s government on Thursday.
The Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces announced that the Russian ships, namely the frigate Gorshkov, the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, the fleet oil tanker Pashin, and the rescue tug Nikolai Chiker, will be docking at the port of Havana from June 12 to 17. Cuba emphasized that none of these vessels are carrying nuclear weapons and that their stopover poses no threat to the region.
This visit is a continuation of the historical practice of the Cuban government to host naval units from friendly nations, fostering collaboration and friendship. While Cuba has confirmed the upcoming visit, Moscow has yet to provide official confirmation. The Russian government has been contacted by CNN for a statement.
This is not the first time Russian Navy ships have visited Cuba, a country that was a key ally of the former Soviet Union during the Cold War. The most notable instance was during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis when Cuba briefly housed nuclear missiles at the request of Moscow.
The upcoming visit is anticipated to be the largest of its kind in recent years, coinciding with Cuba’s increasing reliance on Russian oil and aid amidst its severe economic crisis. The announcement of the visit comes shortly after US President Joe Biden permitted Ukraine to conduct limited strikes within Russian territory using American munitions, prompting a response from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin warned Western countries about supplying weapons to conflict zones, highlighting the potential consequences of such actions. He emphasized Russia’s right to defend itself and its interests in the face of perceived threats.
As part of its routine military maneuvers, Russia is expected to increase its naval and air activities near the United States this summer, leading up to a global naval exercise in the fall. The Pentagon has confirmed that Russia may deploy combat naval vessels to the Caribbean, with possible port calls in Cuba and Venezuela.
The presence of Russian ships in Cuba has been a recurring occurrence, with annual visits between 2013 and 2020. These visits are viewed as routine naval operations, especially given the context of heightened tensions and military exercises in the region.
In light of the evolving situation, the story will continue to be updated with additional information.
