Russian warships set sail for Cuba

Four Russian naval vessels, including a nuclear-powered submarine, are scheduled to arrive in Havana next week, Cuban officials announced Thursday. This visit occurs amid increasing tensions related to Western military aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Cuba’s foreign ministry said in a news release that the ships will be in Havana between June 12 and June 17, noting that none of them will carry any nuclear weapons and assuring their presence “does not represent a threat to the region.”

“This visit corresponds to the historical friendly relations between Cuba and the Russian Federation and strictly adheres to international regulations,” the ministry stated. “None of the ships carry nuclear weapons, so their stopover in our country does not represent a threat to the region,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

‘None of the ships carry nuclear weapons’

The announcement coincides with recent U.S. observations of Russian warships and aircraft headed to the Caribbean for military exercises. U.S. officials indicated that while the Russian military presence is notable, it is not immediately concerning. This movement comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested potential “asymmetrical steps” in response to U.S. support for Ukraine. Notably, this follows President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weapons to defend Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

The four Russian ships set to arrive are the frigate “Gorshkov,” the nuclear-powered submarine “Kazan,” the fleet oil tanker “Pashin,” and the salvage tug “Nikolai Chiker.” According to the Cuban foreign ministry, these vessels will enter Havana harbor between June 12 and June 17.