Former President Donald Trump launched multiple attacks on the Biden Administration in recent hours for allowing a Russian Navy flotilla to operate near U.S. waters. He concluded that Putin does not respect the current U.S. President. "We don't want to see Russian ships off the coast of Florida (southeast), which is where they are right now. That's inconceivable," the mogul said Thursday during a press conference after meeting with Republican Party lawmakers in Washington.
Trump reiterated his concerns on Friday at an event in West Palm Beach where he celebrated his 78th birthday. "Now we have Russian warships and nuclear submarines surrounding Cuba, 60 miles from the coast of Florida. How does that make you feel? Do you feel good about that? And that's only because Biden's weakness is putting us in grave danger," he emphasized.
"Putin doesn't respect him. No foreign leader respects him," Trump asserted, referring to Biden.
Russian Naval Flotilla in Cuba
The Russian Navy flotilla arrived in Havana on June 12 and will remain in Havana Bay waters until June 17. The flotilla includes the fleet tanker Pashin, the rescue tug Nikolai Chiker (SB-131), the modern frigate "Admiral Gorshkov," and the nuclear submarine K-561 Kazan.
On June 13, a day after the flotilla's arrival, the U.S. Southern Command reported the arrival of the nuclear submarine USS Helena at Guantanamo Bay, describing the move as a "routine port visit." The Cuban government acknowledged on Friday that it had been informed in advance of the arrival of the U.S. nuclear submarine in the Naval Bay area of Guantanamo and noted its displeasure with the presence of such a "hostile" power's vessel in national territory without an invitation.
On Wednesday, the U.S. government had already deployed several warships and a reconnaissance aircraft to track the Russian flotilla's course towards Cuba. The U.S. deployment included two destroyers, the USS Truxtun and the USS Donald Cook; the Coast Guard cutter Stone; and a maritime patrol aircraft, the Boeing P-8.
Impact of Russian Naval Presence Near Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions about the recent developments involving the Russian naval presence near Cuba and the U.S. response.
Why is Donald Trump criticizing the Biden Administration?
Trump is criticizing the Biden Administration for allowing a Russian naval flotilla to operate near U.S. waters, claiming it shows weakness and puts the country in danger.
What is included in the Russian naval flotilla?
The flotilla includes the fleet tanker Pashin, the rescue tug Nikolai Chiker, the modern frigate "Admiral Gorshkov," and the nuclear submarine K-561 Kazan.
How has the U.S. responded to the Russian flotilla near Cuba?
The U.S. has deployed several warships, including the USS Truxtun and the USS Donald Cook, as well as the Coast Guard cutter Stone and a Boeing P-8 maritime patrol aircraft to monitor the flotilla's movements.