This Wednesday morning, a fleet from the Russian Navy, including a modern frigate and a nuclear-powered submarine, arrived in Havana as part of a scheduled visit that has generated significant geopolitical interest.
The Pashin oil tanker led the fleet, entering the Bay of Havana just past seven in the morning with technical support from Cuban authorities. Following it was the salvage tugboat Nikolai Chiker (SB-131) from the Northern Fleet's naval group. The third vessel to enter Havana's harbor was the frigate "Admiral Gorshkov," which spearheads the Russian Navy's delegation on an official visit to the island, set to last until June 17.
"Arriving now at Havana's port is a rescue tug and a Russian icebreaker (not particularly useful for Cuba in June)," quipped Patrick Oppmann, CNN's correspondent in Havana, on social media.
The arrival of these impressive ships has sparked a flurry of photos from news agencies and Cubans who flocked to the harbor to witness the event, reminiscent of the days when cruise ships from the United States would arrive. Russian diplomats and tourists visiting the island were also keen on witnessing the display of their nation's naval power in Cuban waters.
U.S. Military Response
In recent hours, the U.S. government deployed several warships and a submarine reconnaissance plane to track the course of the Russian fleet expected to arrive in Cuba. The U.S. deployment includes two destroyers, the USS Truxtun and the USS Donald Cook, as well as a Coast Guard vessel, the Stone, and a Boeing P-8 maritime patrol aircraft.
Maritime and aerial tracking data reported by Newsweek revealed that, in addition to the U.S. vessels, the Royal Canadian Navy frigate Ville de Québec is also in the area. Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) analysts published updates on June 11 showing that, alongside the U.S. destroyers, the Coast Guard vessel, and the Canadian frigate, at least one P-8A Poseidon aircraft from the Navy and a Canadian CP-140 Aurora appeared to be conducting surveillance operations.
Jesus Daniel Romero, a retired lieutenant commander from U.S. Navy Intelligence, expressed concern over the Russian naval deployment just 90 miles from U.S. shores, despite the Biden administration's attempts to downplay the visit. Romero believes the presence of this Russian naval fleet in the Caribbean should not be taken lightly.
The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) announced last week the "official visit" of several Russian Navy ships to Havana, including a nuclear-powered submarine.
"From June 12 to 17, 2024, an official visit to the port of Havana will be conducted by a naval detachment from the Russian Federation, consisting of four vessels: the frigate ‘Gorshkov’, the nuclear-powered submarine ‘Kazan’, the fleet oil tanker ‘Pashin’, and the salvage tug ‘Nikolai Chiker’," MINREX stated in a communiqué last Thursday.
The official note added that the visit aligns with the "historic friendship relations between Cuba and the Russian Federation" and adheres strictly to international regulations to which Cuba is a party. MINREX clarified that none of the vessels carry nuclear weapons and that their presence poses no threat to the region.
The U.S. government acknowledged the impending arrival of the Russian combat ships in Cuba and the Caribbean for a military exercise, noting that Russia plans to conduct extensive naval and aerial activities in the Caribbean near the United States this summer, culminating in a global naval exercise in the fall. Despite these developments, the Biden administration stated it does not view the deployment with alarm, noting that Russia has sent ships to the Western Hemisphere annually from 2013 to 2020, describing these deployments as routine naval activity.
However, Cuban-American Senator Marco Rubio urged President Joe Biden not to remain idle, pointing out that no Russian submarine with nuclear missile capabilities has operated in the Caribbean for over 30 years.
Key Questions about the Russian Fleet's Visit to Havana
With the arrival of the Russian naval fleet in Havana, many are curious about the implications and details of this significant event. Here, we address some of the most pressing questions.
Why is the Russian naval fleet visiting Havana?
The visit is part of a scheduled official visit to strengthen historic friendship relations between Cuba and the Russian Federation, and it adheres to international regulations.
What ships are included in the Russian fleet?
The fleet includes the frigate ‘Gorshkov,’ the nuclear-powered submarine ‘Kazan,’ the fleet oil tanker ‘Pashin,’ and the salvage tug ‘Nikolai Chiker.’
How has the United States responded to the Russian fleet's arrival?
The U.S. has deployed several warships and a submarine reconnaissance plane to track the Russian fleet, but the Biden administration has stated that it does not view the deployment with alarm.
Are the Russian ships carrying nuclear weapons?
No, according to MINREX, none of the Russian vessels are carrying nuclear weapons, and their presence poses no threat to the region.