A fleet of Russian warships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, concluded a five-day visit to Havana, Cuba, on Monday after participating in planned military drills in the Atlantic Ocean. The departure of the submarine, frigate, oil tanker, and rescue tug from the port marked the end of their stay in Cuba.
While the fleet's next destination remains unknown, speculation suggests a possible stop in Venezuela. The visit to Cuba comes amidst heightened tensions between Russia and Western nations, particularly the United States, over the conflict in Ukraine.
Despite concerns raised by some observers, U.S. officials have stated that the Russian vessels do not pose a threat to the region and do not indicate any missile transfers. In response, the United States stationed a submarine, the USS Helena, at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba, a move that has been met with criticism by the Cuban government.
The Russian fleet, consisting of the frigate 'Gorshkov,' the nuclear-powered submarine 'Kazan,' the tanker 'Pashin,' and the tug 'Nikolai Chiker,' received a warm welcome in Havana, including a 21-gun salute upon arrival. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel visited the frigate during its stay and engaged with the sailors on board.
Meanwhile, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío expressed disapproval of the presence of the American submarine at Guantanamo Base, labeling it as unwelcome and uninvited. In contrast, a State Department spokesperson characterized Russia's port calls in Cuba as routine naval visits that do not pose any threat.
During the fleet's visit, hundreds of people lined up to tour the frigate, which was also open to the public on Saturday. The Canadian navy patrol boat Margaret Brooke also entered the Havana harbor on Friday, adding to the maritime activity in the region.
