A fleet of Russian warships recently departed from the port of Havana after a five-day visit to Cuba, sparking some concerns and speculations about possible implications on the geopolitical landscape. The vessels, including a nuclear-powered submarine and a frigate, had been anchored at Havana Bay, just 90 miles from the US state of Florida. While the US stated that it did not perceive the visit as a direct threat, it also made clear that it was closely monitoring the movements of the Russian fleet.
The timing of the Russian warships’ visit to Cuba, particularly amid the backdrop of Russia’s controversial invasion of Ukraine, has raised eyebrows and speculation about the motives behind such a display of military presence. The fact that the vessels were carrying advanced weaponry, including hypersonic missiles Zircon, has added weight to the concerns.
One key point of interest was the interaction between Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and the sailors aboard the frigate during the Russian fleet’s visit. This exchange, along with the symbolic support expressed by Russia to the communist-led government of Cuba and its ally Venezuela, highlights the broader implications of the visit beyond mere military exercises.
Historically, Russia and Cuba have maintained a close alliance, and the presence of Russian warships in Cuban waters is not unprecedented. However, in the current global context, the visit takes on added significance, with some interpreting it as a form of sabre-rattling by Moscow.
The departure of the Russian warships from Cuba, with locals waving Russian flags as the vessels set sail, marks the end of a short but impactful chapter in the ongoing narrative of international relations. As tensions continue to escalate on multiple fronts, from Eastern Europe to the Caribbean, the world watches closely for further developments and potential shifts in the balance of power among major players on the global stage.
