MOSCOW: Havana residents observed from the shore as Russian warships arrived for the second time in two months, a visit that Cuba described as routine.
The Russian naval group, which includes the patrol ship Neustraimy, the training vessel Smolny, and several support vessels from the Baltic Fleet, is set to depart on July 30.
In June, a Russian nuclear submarine, frigate, and additional support ships had previously showcased Moscow’s military presence in Havana’s port, located less than 160 kilometers from Florida.
US officials attribute the increase in Russian naval activity in the Atlantic to Washington’s support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, relations between Cold War allies Russia and Cuba have strengthened significantly as Cuba contends with an economic crisis it attributes largely to US sanctions.
