By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
On June 12, a Russian navy frigate and a nuclear-powered submarine made their way into Havana harbor, an event both the U.S. and Cuba stated posed no threat. However, it was widely interpreted as a demonstration of Russian power amidst escalating tensions over the Ukraine conflict. In a recent press briefing, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh addressed these developments.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh emphasized that the U.S. had been tracking the Russians’ plans for this maneuver, highlighting that such activities are not unprecedented. “We’ve been tracking the Russians’ plans for this. This is not a surprise. We’ve seen them do this — these type of port calls before, and these are, you know, routine naval visits that we’ve seen under different administrations,” Singh noted.
Singh’s remarks show the U.S.’s continuous monitoring of any foreign vessels operating near its territorial waters. She stated, “We’re always, constantly going to monitor any foreign vessels operating near U.S. territorial waters. We of course take it seriously, but these exercises don’t pose a threat to the United States.” The exercises in the Caribbean, while routine, are laden with strategic significance, particularly given the current global context.
Cuba, a long-standing ally of Russia, welcomed the ships with cannon fire from the harbor, while Russian diplomats waved small flags and took selfies against the backdrop of the historic fortresses. The Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the Kazan nuclear-powered submarine, the latter half-submerged with its crew visible on deck, were escorted by a tugboat and a fuel ship that had docked earlier that morning.
According to Russia’s defense ministry, these vessels had just completed “high-precision missile weapons” training in the Atlantic Ocean. The submarine and frigate are equipped with Zircon hypersonic missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles, and Onyx anti-ship missiles. Despite this formidable arsenal, both Cuban and U.S. officials affirmed that the fleet carried no nuclear weapons.
The U.S. monitored the vessels as they navigated near the Florida coast but maintained that they posed no threat. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan characterized the naval exercises as routine, noting the absence of any missile transfers to Cuba while pledging continued vigilance.
The Caribbean has long been a region of interest for major powers due to its strategic maritime routes and proximity to the United States. The presence of Russian warships in this area can be interpreted as a demonstration of Russia’s capability to operate near U.S. shores, thereby signaling its naval reach and operational flexibility.
When questioned about the last time Russian naval vessels were off the coast of Florida or in Cuba, Secretary Singh referred to NORTHCOM and SOUTHCOM for specifics, acknowledging past instances under different administrations. Under different administrations, the U.S. response to such activities has varied, influenced by the prevailing geopolitical climate and bilateral relations with Russia. The timing of these Russian naval activities coincides with significant geopolitical events, including President Biden’s participation in the G7 summit. Singh acknowledged the potential for Russia to interpret these maneuvers as geopolitical signaling.
Singh outlined the U.S. military’s monitoring efforts, involving multiple fleets and the U.S. Coast Guard. “I can tell you that the Navy’s U.S. Second Fleet, U.S. Fourth Fleet, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, and Canadian Joint Task Force Atlantic are conducting routine operations throughout the Atlantic,” Singh detailed. This multi-faceted response underscores the U.S. commitment to maintaining situational awareness and readiness in the face of foreign naval activities. The repositioning of U.S. ships to monitor the Russian flotilla exemplifies tactical flexibility and the importance of maritime domain awareness. While specifics on the proximity of Russian ships to U.S. shores were not provided, Singh directed inquiries to NORTHCOM, indicating a layered approach to information dissemination and operational security.
In March, Russia delivered 90,000 metric tons of oil to Cuba to mitigate shortages, promising further assistance in various sectors, including sugar production, infrastructure, renewable energy, and tourism. This deepening relationship is evident to many Cubans, like María Isabel Quesada of Old Havana, who expressed a sense of security and satisfaction in the burgeoning alliance.
The Russian naval vessels are scheduled to remain in Havana until June 17, symbolizing a historical bond and a modern geopolitical maneuver. This event serves as a reminder of the enduring complexities and shifting alliances that continue to shape global politics.
