The U.S. Department of Defense has addressed the arrival of a Russian war fleet in Cuba, stating that it does not pose a direct threat to the United States. Lieutenant Colonel Devin Robinson, the department's spokesperson, explained in an email to América TeVé that the Pentagon is not surprised by the visit to Havana from June 12 to June 17 by yet another Russian naval detachment, given the historical pattern of stops at Cuban ports.
The officer added that these visits are part of routine Russian military exercises, which have intensified due to U.S. support for Ukraine and the exercise activities in support of NATO allies. According to Robinson, the Department of Defense anticipates increased Russian naval and aerial activity near the U.S. this summer, culminating in a global naval exercise in the fall.
It is likely that Russia will temporarily send warships to the Caribbean region, with stops in Cuban ports and possibly in Venezuela, and there may also be aircraft deployments in the area. This week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) of Cuba announced the "official visit" of several Russian Navy vessels, including a nuclear-powered submarine.
Russia did not notify the U.S. about the upcoming maneuvers, but the U.S. Navy has been tracking the movements of these vessels, confirmed a spokesperson for the State Department to Martí News. The same source indicated that the Biden administration does not view the deployment with alarm, noting that Russia has sent ships to the Western Hemisphere annually from 2013 to 2020. "Russia's deployments are part of routine naval activity," they emphasized.
Two officials told the Associated Press (AP) that the exercise is an attempt by Putin to demonstrate that his Navy is still capable of projecting global power despite losing several ships to Ukrainian attacks.
Questions on Russian Naval Activity Near Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the recent activities of the Russian Navy near Cuba and their implications.
Why is the Russian war fleet visiting Cuba?
The visit is part of routine Russian military exercises, which have intensified due to U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies.
Is the Russian fleet a direct threat to the United States?
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the Russian fleet's arrival in Cuba does not pose a direct threat to the United States.
How has the U.S. responded to the Russian fleet's movements?
The U.S. Navy has been tracking the movements of these vessels, and the Biden administration does not view the deployment with alarm.