Ships from the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy are set to arrive at the port of Havana this weekend. According to Russian media, the visit is scheduled between July 27 and 30. This arrival supports reports that Putin is preparing for a permanent deployment of his naval forces in Cuba. In fact, this marks the second stop of Russian ships in Havana Bay in less than 45 days.
According to information from the Ministry of the Armed Forces of Putin's administration, an agreement has been reached with the Cuban government for the docking in Havana of the training ship Smolny, the patrol ship Neustrashimy, and the tanker Yelnya. With the arrival of the training ship, the frigate, and the tanker, Cuba and Russia are taking another step in consolidating their bilateral relations, which had been tepid for years.
Analysts like military expert Alexander Sharkovsky interpret this deployment as a strong response from Moscow to the U.S. announcement of its intention to deploy long-range weapons in Europe, specifically in Germany. "A Russian military base is already being reestablished in Cuba, both on land and sea. If dry cargo ships are used, it is possible that missiles (nuclear) could be brought back there, as happened in 1962. Given that the United States intends to deploy its medium-range missiles in German territory, this means that our missiles need to end up somewhere close to the United States. This is a very important strategic base for the security of the Russian Federation," emphasized Sharkovsky, who also noted that Russia has not yet started the process of sending a large number of warships to Cuba.
The expert contends that the Russian Navy will have its permanent base on the island if it is confirmed that the White House finally deploys its missile systems in Germany.
Strategic Implications and Political Maneuvers
The official Cuban newspaper Granma announced on Thursday the arrival of three Russian ships in Havana, echoing a statement from the Ministry of the Armed Forces (Minfar). This "flotilla" is expected to remain in Cuban waters until July 30. The island's military authorities justify the stopover by stating that visits from foreign naval units are "a historical practice of the revolutionary government with nations" with which they maintain "relations of friendship and collaboration."
To downplay the significance, they detailed the supposed agenda of the Russian sailors, who are expected to pay a courtesy visit to the chief of the Revolutionary Navy, the governor of Havana, and tour places of historical and cultural interest. Additionally, the training ship Smolny will be open to the public this Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and on Monday until 6:00 PM.
The Baltic Fleet's arrival in Cuba comes a month after a modern frigate and a nuclear-powered submarine, along with a tanker and the rescue tug Nikolai Chiker (SB-131) from the Northern Fleet's naval group, docked in Havana Bay on June 12. The frigate Admiral Gorshkov, which led the Russian Navy group, remained in Cuba for five days.
In response to the Russian deployment in Havana, and as a strategic move, the U.S. Southern Command sent the nuclear submarine USS Helena to Guantanamo Bay. However, they were careful not to state that it was a response to the Russian threat. On the contrary, they described this deployment as part of a "routine port visit" while transiting through the geographical area of responsibility of the U.S. Southern Command and carrying out its "global maritime security and national defense mission."
Understanding the Strategic Deployment of Russian Forces in Cuba
In light of recent events, we've compiled some questions and answers to help understand the implications of Russia's military actions in Cuba.
Why is Russia deploying military forces to Cuba?
Russia is deploying military forces to Cuba as a strategic response to the U.S. intention to deploy long-range weapons in Europe, particularly in Germany. This move is seen as a way to counterbalance U.S. military influence.
What ships are involved in the deployment?
The deployment involves the training ship Smolny, the patrol ship Neustrashimy, and the tanker Yelnya from the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy.
How long will the Russian ships remain in Cuban waters?
The Russian flotilla is expected to stay in Cuban waters until July 30.
What is the U.S. response to the Russian military presence in Cuba?
In response, the U.S. Southern Command sent the nuclear submarine USS Helena to Guantanamo Bay as part of a "routine port visit," while carrying out its global maritime security and national defense mission.