The deployment of Russian naval vessels, including the Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, to Cuba has sparked concerns amid rising tensions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The visit, seen as a show of force by Moscow, was met with excitement by curious onlookers, fishermen, and police along Havana’s Malecon seafront boulevard. Cuba, a long-time ally of Russia, welcomed the vessels with a 21-gun salute and Russian diplomats waved flags and took selfies against the backdrop of the harbour’s historic fortresses. The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that the frigate and submarine conducted training with high-precision missile weapons in the Atlantic Ocean, equipped with Zircon hypersonic missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles, and Onyx anti-ship missiles.
The proximity of the Russian fleet to the United States is a pointed reminder of Russia’s capabilities and commitment to its allies in the region. With Washington allowing Ukraine to use their weapons on targets inside Russia, tensions have escalated, particularly in northeastern Kharkiv. The deployment is a message to the US that interference in Russia’s “near abroad” is unacceptable. Havana’s close proximity to Key West in Florida, where the US has a naval air station, adds to the significance of the Russian ships’ presence. The visit serves as a reminder to US antagonists in the region, including Cuba and Venezuela, of Moscow’s support for them.
While Cuba insists that the visit is standard practice and the fleet is not carrying nuclear weapons, the US has downplayed the deployment as routine naval exercises. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that there was no evidence of Russia transferring missiles to Cuba, but vigilance would be maintained. The concurrent meeting between Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow emphasized Cuba’s rejection of NATO’s expansion toward Russia’s border and called for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Europe. The historical relationship between Cuba and Russia dates back to the Cold War, with Cuba becoming increasingly dependent on Russia for economic support in recent years due to shortages of essential goods.
The economic necessity of Cuba drives its relationship with Russia, as evidenced by Russia’s deliveries of oil to help alleviate shortages and promises to assist in various economic projects. Despite maintaining relations with the US, the economic and trade embargo imposed on Cuba since 1960 has forced the island nation to seek support from allies like Russia. Javier Farje, an expert on Latin American politics, noted that the current situation is different from the brink of nuclear war in October 1962, highlighting Cuba’s need for economic development and Russia’s willingness to provide assistance. The Russian ships are expected to remain in Havana for a few days before continuing their journey, with US officials anticipating their presence in the region throughout the summer and a potential visit to Venezuela as well.
