Cuban officials have announced that four Russian ships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, are set to arrive in Havana next week. The move is seen as a demonstration of the historically friendly relations between Cuba and Russia, particularly as tensions escalate over Western military support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
The Cuban foreign ministry emphasized that the ships, scheduled to be in Havana from June 12 to June 17, will not be carrying any nuclear weapons. They also assured that the presence of the Russian vessels does not pose a threat to the region.
This announcement follows reports from U.S. officials who revealed that Russian warships and aircraft were expected to conduct a military exercise in the Caribbean. The U.S. officials noted that the Russian military presence was being monitored but did not raise significant concerns.
The arrival of the Russian fleet in Havana coincides with Russian President Vladimir Putin's remarks about potential 'asymmetrical steps' in response to U.S. support for Ukraine. This response was triggered by President Joe Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weapons to defend against Russian aggression.
The four Russian ships en route to Havana are identified as the frigate “Gorshkov,” the nuclear-powered submarine “Kazan,” the fleet oil tanker “Pashin,” and the salvage tug “Nikolai Chiker.”
As part of the ceremonial arrival, a salute of 21 salvos will be fired from one of the ships, to be reciprocated by an artillery battery of Cuba's Revolutionary Armed Forces.
The presence of the Russian ships in Havana underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, with both symbolic and strategic implications for Cuba, Russia, and the broader international community.
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