Curious Cubans, fishermen and police officers crowded the famous Malecon promenade on Wednesday to take pictures of a special event. The Russian nuclear submarine Kazan slipped slowly into Havana’s old harbor, while marines stood watchful on deck. Cuba is one of Russia’s few allies. Cannon shots welcomed the ships, writes the Reuters news agency. Russian diplomats waved Russian flags and took selfies as the ships passed the historic fortress in the port area. The four Russian naval vessels set sail from the Kola Peninsula not far from the border with Norway, writes the Barents Observer. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the ships arrived in Cuba after a military exercise in the Atlantic Ocean. Many spectators in Havana’s harbor, when Russian warships arrived. Photo: YAMIL LAGE / AFP Cuban authorities said last week that it is common practice for naval ships from “friendly” countries to come to Havana. The government has also emphasized that the vessels do not have nuclear weapons on board. – The visit is an expression of Russia visiting some of its few friends, says researcher and Cuba expert Vegard Bye to news. He says that there have been several similar visits in recent years, but that in the past they have largely gone under the radar. Marines on the Russian submarine, as it arrives in Havana. Photo: YAMIL LAGE / AFP – Demonstration of power in light of the Ukraine war Havana is around 160 kilometers from Key West in Florida. That Russian forces stay so close to the United States is considered unusual. An American source has said that the US will monitor the vessels, but that they are not considered a threat. The timing is still not referred to as random. Sources in the US defense believe the visit is an attempt at a demonstration of power in light of the Ukraine war and Western countries’ support for Ukraine. – It is clear that it is interesting because of the war in Ukraine. It is an expression that Russia will continue to make a mark militarily in the immediate vicinity of the United States, says Bye. He is supported by several researchers who believe that this is not just a “standard exercise” after Russia’s invasion of the neighboring country. – The Russian warships’ visit is Putin’s way of reminding Biden that Moscow can challenge Washington in their immediate areas. This is what Professor William Leogrande at the American University in Washington says to Reuters. – This is like an echo from the Cold War. The difference is that this time the Cubans are not drawn towards Moscow for ideological reasons, but for economic reasons, says Leogrande. Cuba is in one of its worst economic crises since the revolution in 1959. People are flocking to Havana’s harbor to take pictures of the Russian warships. Photo: YAMIL LAGE / AFP 62 years since the Cuban Missile Crisis At least one of the vessels is equipped with so-called hypersonic missiles that move much faster than the speed of sound. President Vladimir Putin claims these can penetrate all missile defenses that exist today. The four Russian warships will this time be in Cuba until June 17, according to the Cuban authorities. In 1962, during the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis was triggered by Soviet weapons being deployed in Cuba. The crisis created fears that a major war could break out, but that did not happen. Published 13.06.2024, at 11.34 Updated 13.06.2024, at 11.49
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Here, a Russian nuclear submarine appears in Havana – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
