The U.S. government is closely monitoring the movement of Russian warships expected to arrive in Cuba and the Caribbean for military exercises. "Russia will temporarily deploy warships to the Caribbean region, and these vessels will likely make stops at ports in Cuba and possibly Venezuela. There may also be some aircraft deployments or flights in the region," a State Department spokesperson confirmed to Martí Noticias.
The same source indicated that this summer, Russia will conduct significant naval and aerial activity in the Caribbean, near the United States, culminating in a global Russian naval exercise in the fall. However, the Biden administration does not view the deployment with alarm, noting that Russia has sent ships to the Western Hemisphere annually from 2013 to 2020.
The spokesperson emphasized that "Russia's deployments are part of routine naval activity" and that they do not concern the U.S. government as "they do not pose a direct threat to the United States."
An article published this Thursday by the Associated Press (AP) had already indicated that the United States has been tracking Russian ships and aircraft. Russia did not notify the United States about the upcoming maneuvers, according to two officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The officials stated that the exercise is "undoubtedly" part of a broader Russian response to U.S. support for Ukraine but also an attempt by Putin to show that his navy still has the capability to project global power despite losing several vessels to Ukrainian attacks.
Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) announced the upcoming arrival of several Russian Navy ships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, in Havana on an "official visit."
"From June 12 to 17, 2024, a naval detachment from the Russian Federation will make an official visit to the port of Havana. The detachment will consist of four ships: the frigate 'Gorshkov,' the nuclear-powered submarine 'Kazan,' the fleet tanker 'Pashin,' and the rescue tug 'Nikolai Chiker,'" MINREX stated in a communiqué this Thursday.
The official note added that the visit aligns with the "historic friendship relations between Cuba and the Russian Federation" and "strictly adheres to international regulations of which Cuba is a state party." MINREX clarified that none of the ships carry nuclear weapons and that their presence in the country does not pose a threat to the region.
Cuban-American Senator Marco Rubio urged President Joe Biden not to remain idle, reminding that there has not been a Russian submarine with nuclear missile capability operating in the Caribbean for over 30 years.
Key Questions About Russian Warships Near Cuba
In light of recent developments involving Russian warships near Cuba, here are some important questions and answers to help understand the situation better.
Why is Russia deploying warships to the Caribbean?
Russia is deploying warships to the Caribbean as part of a temporary military exercise and to demonstrate its global naval capabilities.
How is the U.S. government responding to the Russian deployment?
The U.S. government is monitoring the situation but does not view the deployment as a direct threat, considering it part of Russia's routine naval activity.
What is the significance of the Russian ships visiting Cuba?
The visit is seen as part of the longstanding friendly relations between Cuba and Russia and adheres to international regulations. It does not involve nuclear weapons.
What are the potential implications of this deployment?
The deployment could be interpreted as a response to U.S. support for Ukraine and a move by Russia to showcase its naval strength despite recent losses.