Dozens of Cubans stood in long lines under the sun on Havana's waterfront to visit the ships of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy, which arrived on Saturday in the island's capital. The ships were open to the public during Russian Navy Day, according to the Russian Embassy in Cuba.
Additionally, the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba (Minfar) specified that the public could visit the training ship 'Smolny' this Sunday, the 28th, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Monday, the 29th, between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The diplomatic mission shared a message on social media highlighting the attendance of dozens of people who brought umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun.
"Under the scorching Cuban sun, dozens of Habaneros and tourists line up to board the training ship 'Smolny' and witness firsthand the naval might of Russia on Russian Navy Day," read the post.
On July 27, a detachment of ships from the Baltic Fleet arrived at the Port of Havana, including the training ship "Smolny," the patrol ship "Neustrashimy," and the tanker "Yelnya." This marks the second visit of Russian military vessels to Cuba in a month and a half. The three ships will remain in Cuba until July 30, after which their sailors will have completed a "program" about which little information has been disclosed.
It was on Wednesday that the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) announced the arrival of several vessels from the Russian Baltic Fleet to the Bay of Havana. The Russian presence in Cuban territorial waters comes just weeks after the visit of the frigate "Gorshkov," the nuclear-powered submarine "Kazan," the fleet tanker "Pashin," and the rescue tug "Nikolai Chiker."
At that time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the island stated in a communiqué that the visit was in line "with the historic friendship between Cuba and the Russian Federation" and was "strictly adhering to international regulations of which Cuba is a State Party."
Throughout, the United States government remained aware of the vessels, which generated significant interest among Cubans and foreign tourists who had the opportunity to tour the modern frigate Admiral "Gorshkov."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Russian Fleet Visit to Havana
Explore some common questions and answers regarding the recent visit of the Russian Baltic Fleet to Havana, Cuba.
Why did the Russian Baltic Fleet visit Havana?
The visit was part of the historic friendship between Cuba and the Russian Federation, and adhered to international regulations. It included public tours of the ships during Russian Navy Day.
Which ships were part of the Russian Baltic Fleet visit?
The visiting fleet included the training ship "Smolny," the patrol ship "Neustrashimy," and the tanker "Yelnya."