Russian warships strengthen ties with Cuba through new visit to Cuban waters

HAVANA — A trio of Russian warships arrived in Cuban waters on Saturday, Moscow’s second such naval journey in as many months in a demonstration of deepening relations between Russia and Cuba.

The naval group, comprising a training vessel, patrol frigate, and refueling tanker, is set to stay docked in Havana’s port until August 30. The arrival of the ships comes shortly after another unit of Russian warships, including a potent nuclear-powered submarine, visited Havana as part of scheduled military drills last month.

American officials closely monitored the mid-June military exercises, stating that the four-ship fleet posed no real danger. At that time, analysts characterized the warships’ Caribbean voyage as a symbolic display of power in reaction to ongoing U.S. and Western backing for Ukraine.

Cuban defense authorities announced the most recent port call earlier this week, labeling the arrival of the Russian warships a “historic tradition” and a demonstration of “friendship and cooperation.” However, neither administration provided details on the objective of this latest deployment.

The docking of the fleet has generated a wave of excitement among the populace, with locals walking along the port avenue to catch a better glimpse of the warships on Saturday and officials stating that interested visitors would be allowed on board the Russian training ship, named Smolny, on Sunday and Monday.

“It’s a friendly gesture. A bond between Russia and the Cubans,” remarked 29-year-old spectator Maydelis Perez, pointing out the massive warships to her three children. “I’m treating the family to an outing.”

Russia is a long-standing ally of Venezuela and Cuba, and its warships and aircraft have periodically ventured into the Caribbean and docked in Havana. While Cuba is not a major player in Russian foreign policy, analysts suggest that Russia views Cuba as strategically important given its ongoing influence among developing nations.

Cuba and Russia — both facing severe U.S. sanctions — have bolstered their political and economic connections in recent years, especially as Moscow looks to enhance diplomatic backing for its conflict in Ukraine and Havana seeks any possible economic aid.

Cuba has consistently abstained from U.N. resolutions on the Ukraine invasion and refrained from criticizing Moscow’s war. Russia has supplied significant amounts of oil to Cuba, which has struggled under Washington’s economic blockade.