Tensions Rise as USS Helena Arrives in Guantanamo Bay
In a recent development at Guantanamo Bay, the arrival of the US submarine USS Helena has stirred controversy, marking a significant moment in US-Cuba relations. Situated about 800 kilometers east of Havana, the deployment of the submarine has irked Cuban authorities, sparking disapproval.
Carlos Fernández de Cossío Domínguez, Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister, expressed discontent as the deployment took place without Cuba’s consent. He stressed that Havana never sanctioned US naval operations in its sovereign waters and denounced it as an “unauthorized military occupation.”
Meanwhile, in a contrasting move, a Russian naval group, including the frigate Gorshkov and nuclear submarine Kazan, received a warm welcome in Havana. This visit, endorsed by Cuba, showcases a strong Russo-Cuban alliance aimed at reinforcing historical ties without escalating tensions.
Cuba’s strategic diplomacy, favoring alliances over confrontations, is highlighted by the contrasting responses to the US and Russian naval presences. As the geopolitical dynamics unfold, upcoming friendly naval engagements with the Royal Canadian Navy and Venezuela signify a complex interplay of global naval diplomacy in the Caribbean.