Russian Naval Ships, Including Nuclear Submarine, to Visit Cuba

Next week, a group of Russian naval ships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, will visit Cuba as part of the “historically friendly relations” between the two nations, according to the Cuban government.

The fleet will dock in Havana between June 12 and 17. The Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces emphasized that none of the ships carry nuclear weapons and that their visit does not pose a threat to the region.

Cuba noted that visits from naval units of friendly nations are a longstanding practice.

This visit marks the largest Russian naval presence in Cuba in years. It follows last July’s visit by the Russian Navy’s training ship Perekop and comes amid Cuba’s increasing reliance on Russian oil and aid during its worst economic crisis in decades.

The announcement also follows U.S. President Joe Biden’s recent decision to allow Ukraine to conduct limited strikes inside Russian territory with American munitions, prompting a strong response from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The U.S. State Department and Pentagon anticipate increased Russian naval and air activity near the U.S. this summer, as part of routine maneuvers leading up to a global naval exercise in the fall.