Russian Warships Dock in Havana, Signaling Strengthened Ties with Cuba

Three Russian warships arrived in Havana on Saturday, marking Moscow's second naval visit to Cuba in two months. The flotilla, which includes a training ship, a patrol frigate, and a refueling tanker, is set to remain in Cuban waters until Tuesday. This visit follows a previous deployment that featured a nuclear-powered submarine, part of military exercises closely monitored by U.S. officials, who deemed the vessels a minimal threat. Cuban defense officials hailed the arrival as a “historical practice” and a demonstration of “friendship and collaboration” between the two nations. However, the specific purpose of this latest deployment has not been disclosed by either government. The Cuban public welcomed the Russian fleet with a cannon salute, and many locals flocked to the port to view the ships, with opportunities for visitors to tour the training ship, Smolniy, over the weekend. The relationship between Russia and Cuba, both facing significant U.S. sanctions, has grown stronger in recent years. Experts note that while Cuba may not be a central focus of Russian foreign policy, its geographical proximity to the U.S. makes it strategically significant. Russia has been a consistent ally of Cuba and Venezuela, providing economic support, including oil supplies, as Cuba grapples with power shortages exacerbated by the U.S. embargo. Cuba's stance on international issues, including its abstention from U.N. resolutions condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine, further illustrates the deepening ties between the two nations amid their respective geopolitical challenges.