Russian naval vessels are scheduled to visit Cuba just weeks after a flotilla made an appearance in Havana, prompting questions about Russia’s motives in the Western Hemisphere.
The Baltic Fleet ships, including the training ship Smolny, the frigate Neustrashimy, and the oil tanker Yelnya, are set to arrive in Havana starting Saturday, as confirmed by the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba (MINFAR).
MINFAR stated on Facebook, “The visit of ships from other countries is a longstanding practice of the revolutionary government with nations we share friendships and cooperation with.”
“Russian sailors will partake in a program featuring a courtesy call to the commander of the Revolutionary Naval Armed Forces of Cuba and the governor of Havana. Additionally, the crew will explore the cultural and historical landmarks of Havana,” MINFAR mentioned in a statement reported by Russian media.
The Cuban Foreign Affairs Ministry assured that the public would have access to visit the Russian vessels during the trip, emphasizing strict adherence to international regulations Cuba is bound by.
This planned visit, ending on July 30, follows closely after a fleet from Russia’s Northern Fleet, led by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the nuclear submarine Kazan, visited Havana before participating in military exercises in the Caribbean Sea.
U.S. officials characterized the drills as routine and potentially a response to American support for Ukraine in the conflict instigated by Putin. Yet, the proximity of the vessels, including the oil tanker Pashin and the salvage tug Nikolai Chiker, passing near Florida en route to Cuba, with one vessel tracked less than 30 miles off Key Largo, spurred speculation about Moscow’s display of military might in America’s vicinity.
A fleet consisting of U.S. and Canadian warships, such as the USS destroyer Truxtun, Coast Guard cutters, and the Canadian frigate HMCS Ville de Québec, was positioned near Miami shores to observe the Russian vessels.
Two of the vessels subsequently docked in La Guaira, a Venezuelan port city, a Russian ally, following activities in the Atlantic Ocean aimed at showcasing Moscow’s naval presence in far-flung oceanic locations, as mentioned by the Russian Defense Ministry.