A group of Russian Navy ships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, arrived in Cuba on June 12, marking the largest show of force by Russia in its long-standing relationship with Cuba in years.
The Russian frigate Admiral Gorshkov led a four-ship convoy into Havana harbor, marking its arrival with a dramatic 21-gun salute. Cuban cannons stationed at an 18th-century fort responded with their own volley, echoing the historic defense of the port built by the Spanish.
The Admiral Gorshkov, known for its modern capabilities, was followed closely by the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, a rescue tug, and an oil tanker.
“The warships are a reminder to Washington that it is unpleasant when an adversary meddles in your near abroad,” Benjamin Gedan, director of the Latin America programme at the Washington, DC-based Wilson Center think tank, told The Associated Press news agency, referring to Western involvement in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The arrival of these ships drew considerable attention from locals. Onlookers and fishermen lined the seafront, eagerly watching the impressive naval display.
The Russian naval contingent, now docked in berths, will remain in Cuba for a five-day official visit. The visit occurs amid rising tensions between the United States and Russia, especially concerning the conflict in Ukraine. Despite the display of military presence, a U.S. official confirmed that the Kazan submarine does not carry nuclear weapons.
General public can visit frigate
In a gesture of goodwill, the general public in Cuba will be allowed to tour the Admiral Gorshkov frigate. Starting June 13, Cuban residents can visit the ship for four hours each day over a span of three days.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, these drills involved the crews of the frigate and submarine practicing the use of high-precision missile weapons through computer simulations targeting naval groups located over 600 kilometers away.
No threat to the U.S.
Despite the heightened activity, Pentagon and State Department officials stressed that the Russian naval presence is routine and poses no threat to the U.S.
They noted that Cuba hosted Russian ships annually between 2013 and 2020.
Cuban officials echoed this sentiment, stating that visits by naval units from friendly countries are a long-standing practice and do not represent a threat to the region.
“Visits by naval units from other countries are a historical practice of the revolutionary government with nations that maintain relations of friendship and collaboration,” a statement from Cuba’s Foreign Ministry said.