Following the arrival of a Russian war flotilla, including a nuclear-powered submarine, in Cuba, the United States responded by sending a similar submarine to Guantanamo Bay. This display of force and reinforcement of surveillance in an area historically considered to be within Washington’s competence was carried out by the USS Helena, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, reaching waters near the US base in Cuba.
The Russian fleet, consisting of the frigate Gorshkov, the nuclear submarine Kazan, and two support ships, had been in Havana port since Wednesday, with the visit confirmed by the Cuban Foreign Ministry lasting until June 17. These Russian vessels conducted military exercises in the Atlantic Ocean. In response, the US submarine was sent to Cuba as part of a routine port visit within the Southern Command region and other US ships have been monitoring the Russian exercises.
The Pentagon indicated that while these exercises do not pose a threat to the United States, they are being taken seriously. The drills coincide with President Joe Biden’s authorization for Ukraine to use US-supplied weapons to attack Russia, prompting Russian President Vladimir Putin to suggest possible “asymmetrical steps” in other parts of the world. This escalation of activities comes at a time when Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno RodrÃguez is on an official visit to Moscow, highlighting the deepened relations between Cuba and Russia.
Given Russia’s historical ties to Venezuela and Cuba, experts anticipate that the Russian fleet could also make stops in Venezuela during their current activities in the Caribbean. While Russian military presence in the region is not new, the recent exercises add to the geopolitical tensions in the area. Whether these actions will lead to further escalations or diplomatic resolutions remains to be seen.