Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel visited the Russian frigate and submarine docked in Havana Bay since June 12. "Today, we toured the interior of the Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the deck of the Kazan submarine, vessels of the Russian Navy, which are on an official visit to the port of Havana," Díaz-Canel shared on his Twitter account. "Impressive and enjoyable afternoon, even under the persistent rain. Welcome, friends from Russia," he added.
The frigate and submarine are part of a Russian naval flotilla, which also includes the salvage tug Nikolai Chiker (SB-131) and the fleet tanker Pashin. These vessels arrived on an official visit to Cuba and will remain until June 17.
The event has sparked various international reactions, especially amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has heightened tensions between Russia and the United States. Moscow stated that there is no reason for any country, including the United States, to be concerned about the presence of Russian warships in Cuba, insisting that such exercises are a common practice.
The U.S. Department of Defense echoed this sentiment, asserting that the Russian naval detachment in Havana does not pose a direct threat to the United States. Nevertheless, the White House deployed several warships (two destroyers and a Coast Guard cutter) and a submarine reconnaissance plane to track the course of the Russian flotilla before its arrival in the Cuban capital.
Jesús Daniel Romero, a retired U.S. Navy Intelligence lieutenant commander, described the Russian naval deployment just 90 miles from U.S. shores as "concerning."
On June 13, the day after the flotilla's arrival, the U.S. Southern Command announced the arrival of the nuclear submarine USS Helena in Guantánamo Bay, calling it a "routine port visit." In response, the Cuban government expressed displeasure over the presence of such a "hostile" vessel on national territory, although it acknowledged being informed in advance of the American submarine's arrival in the Guantánamo Naval Bay area.
Key Questions About the Russian Naval Visit to Havana
The arrival of Russian warships in Havana Bay has raised numerous questions and concerns. Here, we address some of the most pressing inquiries.
Why are Russian warships visiting Havana?
The Russian warships are on an official visit to Havana as part of a naval flotilla, which includes the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the submarine Kazan, among others.
How has the United States responded to the Russian naval presence in Cuba?
While the U.S. Department of Defense stated that the Russian naval detachment does not pose a direct threat, the White House has deployed warships and a reconnaissance plane to monitor the flotilla's movements.
What was Cuba's reaction to the USS Helena's arrival in Guantánamo Bay?
The Cuban government expressed displeasure about the presence of the U.S. nuclear submarine, describing it as a "hostile" vessel, though they acknowledged they were informed in advance of its arrival.