Senator Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American, has responded to the announcement of the impending arrival of a nuclear submarine at the port of Havana, urging President Joe Biden to take decisive action. The Florida representative issued a statement on Twitter, noting the absence of a Russian missile-armed nuclear submarine in the Caribbean for over 30 years.
"If the Cuban regime decides to allow a nuclear-capable submarine to dock just 90 miles from our shores, the Biden administration must impose real consequences," Rubio demanded.
Details of the Arrival
On Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) of Cuba announced the upcoming arrival of several Russian Navy vessels, including a nuclear-powered submarine, at the port of Havana. Between June 12 and 17, a Russian naval contingent, consisting of four ships—the frigate Gorshkov, the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, the fleet tanker Pashin, and the rescue tug Nikolai Chiker—will make an "official visit" to Cuba.
MINREX clarified that none of the visiting ships are carrying nuclear weapons, asserting that their presence does not pose a threat to the region. The official statement emphasized that the visit aligns with the friendship between Cuba and the Russian Federation and adheres strictly to international regulations to which Cuba is a party.
"The visits of naval units from other countries are a historical practice of the revolutionary government with nations with which we maintain friendly and cooperative relations," concluded MINREX.
U.S. Response and Tracking
Meanwhile, the Associated Press (AP) reported that the United States has been monitoring Russian ships and aircraft expected to arrive in the Caribbean for a military exercise. Although Russia did not notify the U.S. of these maneuvers, the U.S. Navy has been tracking the movements of these vessels.
Two anonymous officials noted that the exercise is undoubtedly part of a broader Russian response to U.S. support for Ukraine, aiming to demonstrate that President Putin's navy can still project global power despite losing several ships to Ukrainian attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Russian Naval Activities in Cuba
Given the recent developments involving Russian naval activities in Cuba, many are seeking clarity on various aspects of the situation. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Why is the Russian Navy visiting Cuba?
The Russian naval visit to Cuba is part of an "official visit" and aligns with the historical practice of friendly and cooperative relations between Cuba and Russia.
Are the Russian ships carrying nuclear weapons?
No, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) of Cuba has confirmed that none of the visiting ships are carrying nuclear weapons.
How is the U.S. responding to this development?
The United States has been tracking the movements of the Russian ships and aircraft expected to arrive in the Caribbean, seeing this as part of a broader Russian response to U.S. support for Ukraine.