A fleet of Russian warships has left the port of Havana after a five-day visit to Cuba, following planned military drills.
The Russian warships, including a nuclear-powered submarine and a frigate, recently concluded their visit to Cuba after conducting planned military exercises. The vessels were stationed at Havana Bay, just 90 miles away from the US state of Florida.
The US, while not considering the visit a direct threat, closely monitored the Russian fleet. In response, the US deployed the USS Helena submarine to Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.
The departure of the Russian warships was met with enthusiasm from locals waving Russian flags. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel personally visited the frigate and interacted with the sailors.
While Cuba affirmed that the vessels did not possess nuclear arms and posed no threat, Russia highlighted the advanced weaponry aboard the ships, including hypersonic missiles.
The timing of the visit, amidst tensions due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has sparked interpretations of Moscow’s motives. The presence of the Russian warships serves as a symbol of support to Cuba and its ally, Venezuela.