A group of Cuban-Americans on a boat near Miami sighted a Russian war fleet that had spent five days at the port of Havana on an official visit. "Approaching Miami, folks, approaching Miami," exclaimed a man in one of the videos shared on the Facebook group "Alamar Miami." The footage shows the Pashin fleet tanker and the Admiral Gorshkov frigate at a distance of 22 miles from Miami.
The naval detachment, which also included the salvage tug Nikolai Chiker (SB-131) and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, departed Cuba on Monday, June 17. According to El Nuevo Herald, a federal official informed McClatchy and the Miami Herald that the three warships headed towards the Caribbean while being closely monitored by the U.S. Navy. The fleet is expected to make a stop in Venezuela.
Meanwhile, the nuclear submarine set course back to the North Atlantic and was tracked by U.S. and Canadian warships, including destroyers and coast guards, as it navigated international waters off the coast of Florida. During the naval squadron's stay in Havana, Díaz-Canel visited the frigate and the submarine, interacting with Russian officers and describing it as an "impressive and enjoyable afternoon."
Many Cubans also lined up to board the frigate, thanks to an opportunity offered by the Moscow embassy. For a population mired in a severe crisis, it was a unique experience, and many curious onlookers flocked to admire the ships and take photos and videos with the Russian sailors.
On the international stage, the presence of the Russian war fleet in Cuba drew varied reactions, set against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, which has rekindled tensions between Russia and the United States. Moscow stated that there was no cause for concern for any country, including the United States, and assured that such exercises are routine practice.
Similarly, the U.S. Department of Defense asserted that the Russian naval detachment in Havana did not pose a direct threat to the United States. Nevertheless, the White House deployed several warships (two destroyers and a Coast Guard vessel) and a submarine reconnaissance aircraft to track the Russian fleet's course before its arrival in the Cuban capital.
The day after the fleet's arrival, on June 13, the U.S. Southern Command announced the arrival of the nuclear submarine USS Helena at Guantanamo Bay, describing it as a "routine port visit."
Russian War Fleet Near Miami: Key Questions Answered
In light of the recent sighting of a Russian war fleet near Miami, we address some frequently asked questions to provide clarity on this event.
Why was the Russian war fleet near Miami?
The Russian war fleet was returning from an official visit to Havana and was heading towards the Caribbean, with an expected stop in Venezuela.
Did the Russian fleet pose a threat to the United States?
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the Russian naval detachment in Havana did not pose a direct threat to the United States.
How did the U.S. respond to the presence of the Russian fleet?
The White House deployed several warships and a submarine reconnaissance aircraft to monitor the Russian fleet's course before its arrival in Havana.