The arrival of a Russian warship fleet in Havana has sparked significant interest among Cubans, who are forming long lines to visit the modern Admiral Gorshkov frigate. Both residents and foreign tourists are waiting from early hours to board the vessel, an opportunity offered by the Moscow embassy on the island, which ends this Saturday at 4:00 pm.
The Spanish newspaper El País spoke with several excited individuals waiting their turn to board the imposing ship. "This is something very beautiful; you almost never get the chance to see something like this," said Josefina Álvarez. "The expectation is to get to know them up close, both the crew and the ships they come on," stated Ariel Vera.
Dozens of Cubans are lining up to enter the vessel, which arrived at Havana port on June 12 along with the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, the salvage tug Nikolai Chiker (SB-131), and the fleet tanker Pashin. The visit, which will last until June 17, has generated great excitement on the island. For Cubans, mired in the worst economic crisis in decades, this is a unique experience, and they are coming out in curiosity to admire the ships and take photos and videos with the Russian sailors who come ashore.
The U.S. Department of Defense has stated that the presence of the Russian naval detachment in Cuban waters does not pose a direct threat to the United States. Lieutenant Colonel Devin Robinson explained that these visits are part of routine Russian military exercises—intensified after the Ukraine war—and that increased Russian naval and aerial activity near the United States is expected this summer, culminating in a global naval exercise in the fall.
However, hours before the arrival, the U.S. government deployed several warships (two destroyers and a Coast Guard vessel) and a submarine reconnaissance aircraft to track the course of the Russian flotilla. Jesús Daniel Romero, a retired U.S. Navy Intelligence Commander, described the Russian naval deployment just 90 miles from the U.S. coast as "concerning".
Similarly, Cuban-American Senator Marco Rubio urged President Joe Biden not to remain idle, noting that there has not been a Russian submarine with nuclear missile capability operating in the Caribbean in over 30 years.
Key Questions About the Russian Warship Visit to Havana
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent visit of the Russian warship fleet to Havana and their implications.
Why are Cubans so interested in visiting the Russian warship?
For Cubans, who are enduring a severe economic crisis, the visit of the Russian warship represents a unique and exciting opportunity to see advanced military technology up close and interact with the Russian sailors.
Does the presence of the Russian fleet pose a threat to the United States?
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the presence of the Russian fleet in Cuban waters does not pose a direct threat to the United States. These visits are part of routine Russian military exercises.
How has the U.S. government responded to the arrival of the Russian warships?
The U.S. government has deployed several warships and a reconnaissance aircraft to monitor the course of the Russian flotilla. Concerns have been raised by U.S. officials about the proximity of the Russian naval deployment.