Russian Warships And Submarines Meeting In Havana Next Week, Cuba: Not Carrying Nuclear Weapons

JAKARTA - Cuba's Foreign Ministry on Thursday said the arrival of a group of Russian warships to the country was not carrying nuclear weapons and posed no threat to the region.

The ministry said there would be about four warships, including the submarine, Russia, which will dock in Havana next week.

"This visit is in accordance with the historic friendship between Cuba and the Russian Federation and strictly complies with international regulations," the ministry said in a statement.

"Not a single one of the ships carries nuclear weapons, so their stopover in our country is not a threat to this region," the statement continued.

The announcement from Cuba comes a day after a US official told reporters Russia had plans to send warships to the Caribbean region, including its allied countries, Cuba and Venezuela, to conduct naval exercises.

Meanwhile, the Cuban Armed Forces said in a statement the upcoming vessels included frigates and nuclear submarines.

"On 12-17 June 2024 there will be an official visit to Havana port by four Russian Navy ships," the statement said, quoted by TASS.

The group consisted of the Admiral Gorshkov frigate, the Kazan nuclear submarine, the Pashin Academic tanker, and the rescue tugboat Nikolay Chiker.

"While there, Russian sailors will take part in activity programs, including a visit to the Commander of the Cuban Navy and the Governor of Havana. They will also visit places that have historical and cultural value," the Cuban military said.

"Arriving at Havana port, a 21-time tribute shot will be released from one of the ships. The Revolutionary Armed Forces artillery battery at the fort of San Carlos de la Cabana will salute in return," the Defense Ministry said.

It is known that tensions between Washington and Moscow have increased following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. US officials say that Russian Navy activities in the Atlantic, although routine, are increasing as Uncle Sam's country support for Kyiv.

However, the United States does not see the arrival of ships as a threat. However, the US Navy will monitor the drills, a US official said on Wednesday.