Russian warships to dock in Havana next week in show of 'friendly relations'

Four Russian warships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, will come to Havana next week. Cuban officials announced this on Thursday. They mentioned the good relationship between Russia and Cuba. This news comes as tensions rise over Western countries supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The ships will be in Havana from June 12 to June 17. The Cuban foreign ministry stated that these ships will not have any nuclear weapons. They also said that the ships' presence is not a danger to the area. This announcement followed reports from U.S. officials who were monitoring Russian warships and planes heading to the Caribbean for a military exercise. The U.S. officials mentioned that this exercise is part of Russia's reaction to the U.S. backing of Ukraine. The Russian ships are the frigate "Gorshkov," the nuclear-powered submarine "Kazan," the fleet oil tanker "Pashin," and the salvage tug "Nikolai Chiker." When the fleet arrives in Havana, one of the ships will fire 21 salutes as a sign of respect to Cuba. This will be answered by artillery from Cuba's Revolutionary Armed Forces. This event is happening as Russian President Vladimir Putin talks about taking unexpected actions in response to the U.S. allowing Ukraine to use American weapons against Russia. The Cuban foreign ministry assured that the Russian ships' visit is not a threat.