US says it’s monitoring the situation as fleet of Russian warships reaches Cuba

Members of the Russian community watch Russian frigate Admiral Gorshkov as it enters Havana’s bay in Cuba. Photo: Alexandre Meneghini

Regina Garciacano

A fleet of Russian warships reached Cuban waters yesterday ahead of planned military exercises in the Caribbean, in what some see as a projection of strength as tensions grow over Western support for Ukraine.

Three ships slowly crossed the mouth of Havana Bay accompanied by small boats that guided them through the narrow channel. The flagship frigate, adorned with the Russian and Cuban flags, was greeted by 21 cannon salutes. Sailors in dress uniform stood in military formation as they approached the island. A nuclear-powered submarine arrived behind them.