Russian Naval Fleet Departs Cuba Following Atlantic Drills

HAVANA (EG) — A Russian naval fleet, including a nuclear-powered submarine, departed from Havana’s port on Monday, concluding a five-day visit to Cuba. This visit followed military exercises in the Atlantic Ocean, which some interpret as a display of Moscow’s strength amid tensions due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The submarine, a frigate, an oil tanker, and a rescue tug slowly left the port on Monday morning. The fleet’s next destination remains uncertain, although U.S. officials have speculated that the vessels may also visit Venezuela.

Last week, the Biden administration confirmed they were monitoring the vessels, but emphasized that they posed no threat to the region or suggested any missile transfers. In response, the U.S. docked the USS Helena submarine at its Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.

Located in the southeastern part of the island, approximately 1,000 kilometers (625 miles) from Havana, the U.S. naval base is considered by the Cuban government to be illegally occupied territory.

The Russian fleet arrived last week after conducting successful military drills in the Atlantic Ocean, simulating missile attacks on targets over 600 kilometers (375 miles) away. The fleet, comprising the frigate “Gorshkov,” the nuclear-powered submarine “Kazan,” the tanker “Pashin,” and the tug “Nikolai Chiker,” received a 21-gun salute upon its arrival in Havana.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel visited the frigate on Saturday and met with the sailors, as per a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío criticized the presence of the American submarine at Guantanamo Base, stating it was unwelcome and uninvited.

A State Department spokesperson described Russia’s port visits in Cuba as “routine naval visits” that pose no danger.

On Thursday, hundreds of people queued to tour the frigate, which was also open to the public on Saturday, a common practice when vessels dock at the port.

The Canadian navy patrol boat Margaret Brooke entered Havana’s harbor on Friday.