US Navy tracks Russian warships as they arrive in Cuba ahead of military exercises in Caribbean

MIAMI, FLORIDA: Four Russian warships, including a nuclear submarine, have arrived in Cuba, merely 200 miles from the Florida coast, in anticipation of a scheduled military exercise in the Atlantic.

The fleet, consisting of a frigate, a nuclear-powered submarine, an oil tanker, and a rescue tug, was greeted in Havana Bay on Wednesday, June 12, with a 21-cannon salute by Cuba.

Cubans witnessed Kremlin's naval might as Kazan approached

Striking images captured the moment as the imposing vessels entered the bay, with Cubans gathering on the streets to photograph the Kremlin's maritime might.

Civilians draped in Russian flags were seen as the frigate, displaying both Kremlin and Cuban colors, approached the island nation with its sailors in formation, the New York Post reports.

The submarine present in Cuba has been identified as the Kazan, a Yasen-class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine.

The submarine is typically equipped with Zircon hypersonic missiles; however, it is not confirmed if the Kazan currently has such armaments, as reported by the Russian government news agency Tass.

US and Cuban officials have stated that while the submarine is nuclear-powered, it does not carry nuclear weapons.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan informed reporters on Wednesday, June 12, that the US is diligently monitoring the Russian military exercises in the Atlantic, noting there is no indication of Russia transferring any missiles to Cuba.

Experts view Kremlin's military exercise in Havana as power demonstration

Experts view the exercise as a demonstration of power by the Kremlin following the US authorization for Ukraine to use American-made weapons on Russian territory to protect Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city.

“The warships are a reminder to Washington that it is unpleasant when an adversary meddles in your near abroad,” Benjamin Gedan, the director of the Latin America Program at the Wilson Center in Washington, stated.

“It also reminds Russia’s friends in the region, including US antagonists Cuba and Venezuela, that Moscow is on their side,” he added.

Russian vessels and submarines have docked in Havana since 2008 for military exercises. US officials anticipate that the current fleet will stay in the area throughout the summer and may potentially visit Venezuela.

Internet claims 'Russian military is probing crossing our open border'

As soon as the news went viral on social media, users started reacting to it. A user said, "Don’t worry, Biden and Harris are focused on rainbow flags and so are most of the three letter agencies on our government."

Another user added, "The Russian military is probing crossing our open border."

A third commentator wrote, "These are the consequences of Biden family corruption."

"Looks like trumps boss is trying to help him," a person stated.

One remarked, "They have no fear of US, due to Joe Biden and Co."

 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.