As previously announced, three Russian ships from the Baltic Fleet arrived in Havana Bay on Saturday morning. Despite the lack of media coverage from official outlets— a stark contrast to the fanfare that greeted a different Russian fleet in June— the arrival was documented by the Russian Embassy in Cuba on the platform X with a brief video.
"The training ship 'Smolniy' enters Havana Bay, part of the Baltic Fleet group on a friendly visit to the Cuban capital. A further testament to the close relations between our peoples," wrote the diplomatic mission in Cuba.
Apart from the Embassy, only the portal 14ymedio has so far documented the arrival with images. Neither the MINFAR, Cubadebate, nor the Cuban News Agency have commented on the ships' arrival or shared any images.
The training ship Smolny, the first to enter the Bay at around 8:30 a.m., fired several salutes. Minutes later, the patrol ship Neustrahimiy followed, showing a hull full of patches and dents. The tanker Yelnya entered third.
Russian media reported that the Neustrashimy-class frigate arriving in Havana is "armed with nuclear anti-submarine weapons and missile systems."
The three ships will remain in Cuba until July 30, with little information available about the mariners' "program" during their stay. Residents of the capital will have the opportunity to visit the Smolny's hull on Sunday, July 28, and Monday, July 29.
This marks the second time in a month and a half that a Russian warship fleet has visited Cuba.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) announced that several ships from Russia's Baltic Fleet would be arriving in Havana Bay, less than two months after the presence of Russian combat ships in Cuba.
"The visits of naval units from other countries are a historical practice of the revolutionary government with nations with which we maintain relations of friendship and collaboration," the statement said.
"During their stay in our country, the Russian sailors will follow a program of activities that includes courtesy visits to the Chief of the Revolutionary Navy, the Governor of the capital, and tours of historical and cultural sites," they added.
The entity also specified that the public could visit the training ship "Smolniy" on Sunday, July 28, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Monday, July 29, between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
The Russian presence in Cuban territorial waters comes just weeks after the stay of the frigate "Gorshkov," the nuclear-powered submarine "Kazan," the fleet's tanker "Pashin," and the salvage tug "Nikolai Chiker."
At that time, the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a communiqué that the visit was in line with "the historic relations of friendship between Cuba and the Russian Federation," and that it "strictly adheres to international regulations to which Cuba is a State party." The U.S. government was kept informed of the ships' presence, which generated significant interest among Cubans and foreign tourists, who had the opportunity to tour the modern frigate Admiral "Gorshkov."
FAQs About the Arrival of Russian Ships in Havana
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent arrival of Russian ships from the Baltic Fleet in Havana, Cuba.
Why was there no media coverage of the Russian ships' arrival?
The lack of media coverage from official outlets contrasts sharply with the extensive coverage of a different Russian fleet's arrival in June. This could be due to various political or strategic reasons.
What kinds of vessels arrived in Havana?
The vessels included the training ship Smolny, the patrol ship Neustrahimiy, and the tanker Yelnya. The Neustrashimy-class frigate is notably armed with nuclear anti-submarine weapons and missile systems.
How long will the Russian ships stay in Cuba?
The Russian ships will remain in Cuba until July 30. During this time, the mariners will follow a program of activities, including courtesy visits and tours of historical and cultural sites.