HAVANA — Three Russian warships arrived in Cuban waters on Saturday, Moscow’s second such maritime voyage in as many months in a reflection of deepening ties between Russia and Cuba.
The naval group, consisting of a training ship, patrol frigate and refueling tanker, are expected to remain docked in Cuba’s port of Havana until August 30. The arrival of the vessels comes mere weeks after another squadron of Russian warships, including a powerful nuclear-powered submarine, visited Havana as part of planned military exercises last month.
American officials closely tracked the mid-June military exercises, saying that the four-vessel group posed no real threat. At the time, experts described the warships’ Caribbean tour as a symbolic show of strength in response to continued U.S. and Western support for Ukraine.
Cuban defense officials announced the latest port call earlier this week, calling the arrival of the Russian warships a “historical practice” and show of “friendship and collaboration.” But neither government elaborated on the purpose of this latest deployment.
The docking of the flotilla has sparked a flurry of excitement among the general public, with Cubans strolling the port avenue to get a better glimpse of the warships Saturday and authorities saying interested visitors would be admitted on board the Russian training ship, called Smolny, on Sunday and Monday.
“It’s a friendly thing. A bond between Russia and the Cubans,” said 29-year-old onlooker Maydelis Perez, pointing the hulking warships out to her three children. “I’m taking a family outing.”
Russia is a longtime ally of Venezuela and Cuba, and its warships and aircraft have periodically made forays into the Caribbean and docked in Havana. Though Cuba is not a key player in Russian foreign policy, experts say that Russia sees Cuba as strategically important given its continued clout among developing nations.
Cuba and Russia — both under severe U.S. sanctions — have strengthened their political and economic ties in recent years, particularly as Moscow aims to boost diplomatic support for its war in Ukraine and Havana seeks whatever economic assistance it can get.
Cuba has consistently abstained on U.N. resolutions on the invasion of Ukraine and avoided criticism of Moscow’s war. Russia has sold significant volumes of oil to Cuba, which has struggled under Washington’s economic embargo.
In a show of solidarity and cooperation, Russian warships recently visited Cuban waters to strengthen ties between the two nations. This visit marks a significant moment in the ongoing relationship between Russia and Cuba, as both countries seek to enhance their strategic partnership and foster closer military cooperation.
The Russian warships, including the missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov and the large anti-submarine ship Severomorsk, arrived in Havana on a goodwill visit aimed at bolstering bilateral ties and showcasing Russia’s commitment to supporting Cuba. The visit comes at a time when both countries are facing increasing pressure from the United States and other Western powers, making it all the more important for them to stand together in the face of external threats.
The presence of Russian warships in Cuban waters sends a strong message to the international community that Russia is committed to supporting its allies and strengthening its presence in the region. It also serves as a reminder to the United States that Russia is a key player in the Caribbean and will not hesitate to assert its influence in the region.
The visit also provides an opportunity for both countries to engage in joint military exercises and training, further enhancing their military capabilities and interoperability. This will not only benefit Russia and Cuba but also contribute to regional stability and security in the Caribbean.
Additionally, the visit serves as a symbolic gesture of solidarity between Russia and Cuba, two countries that have a long history of friendship and cooperation. The ties between the two nations date back to the Cold War era when Cuba was a key ally of the Soviet Union. Today, Russia continues to support Cuba in various ways, including providing economic assistance and military cooperation.
Overall, the visit of Russian warships to Cuban waters is a clear demonstration of the strong bond between Russia and Cuba and their shared commitment to enhancing their strategic partnership. It sends a message to the world that both countries are united in their efforts to promote peace, stability, and cooperation in the region. As they continue to work together, Russia and Cuba will undoubtedly strengthen their ties and deepen their mutual trust and friendship.
