In a display of military strength, a fleet of Russian warships has arrived in Cuban waters ahead of planned military exercises in the Caribbean. The move comes amidst increasing tensions over Western support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Three ships, accompanied by small boats, made their way through the narrow channel at the mouth of the Havana Bay. The flagship frigate, adorned with both Russian and Cuban flags, was greeted with 21 cannon salutes. Sailors in dress uniform stood in formation as they approached the island, with a nuclear-powered submarine expected to join them shortly.
The US military anticipates the exercises will involve several Russian ships and support vessels, potentially making stops in Venezuela. Russia has longstanding alliances with both Venezuela and Cuba, and its military presence in the Caribbean is not unprecedented. However, this mission comes at a sensitive time, following President Biden’s authorization for Ukraine to use US-provided weapons against Russia.
Experts suggest that the deployment of Russian warships serves as a reminder to Washington about the consequences of interfering in Russia’s “near abroad,” referring to regions close to its borders. Additionally, it reaffirms Russia’s support for its allies in the region, including Cuba and Venezuela.
Despite concerns, a senior US administration official has stated that intelligence reports indicate no vessels are carrying nuclear weapons, and the deployments pose no direct threat to the United States. However, US officials anticipate the Russian ships will remain in the region throughout the summer.
Russian ships have made occasional visits to Havana since 2008, with the latest visit occurring amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine. The State Department characterizes Russia’s port calls in Cuba as routine naval visits but acknowledges that military exercises have intensified due to US support for Ukraine and NATO activities.
In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov hosted his Cuban counterpart for talks, during which Lavrov praised Cuba’s stance on Ukraine, aligning with Russia’s narrative on the conflict. Russia views Latin America and the Caribbean as strategically important, countering US influence in the region.
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While the timing of the mission aligns with Russia’s interests, it also raises questions about Venezuela’s upcoming elections. Some analysts speculate that President Maduro’s government may use the presence of Russian warships to fabricate an international crisis, potentially postponing or canceling the elections to maintain power.
Venezuela’s claim over the Essequibo territory, which lies near significant offshore oil deposits in Guyana, adds complexity to the situation. The US supports Guyana in this dispute, further complicating Venezuela’s political landscape. While Guyana’s Vice President acknowledges the Russian fleet doesn’t pose a direct threat, the country remains vigilant amid the ongoing tensions.
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