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Russia said on Thursday (June 13) that the United States should not be nervous about Russian warships entering Cuba, but the West seems to be turning a deaf ear to any diplomatic signals from Moscow and only pays attention when the army or navy takes action.
A Russian navy frigate and a nuclear-powered submarine sailed into Havana harbor on Wednesday, a stop that the United States and Cuba said posed no threat but was widely seen as a show of force by Russia amid heightened tensions over the war in Ukraine.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said there was no evidence Russia was transferring any missiles to Cuba but the United States would remain vigilant.
Asked about Washington’s concerns that Russia might send military personnel to Cuba or even establish a military base there, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said such exercises were common practice.
“This is a normal practice of all countries, including a maritime power like Russia. Therefore, we do not see any need to worry about it,” Peskov told reporters.
The Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan entered Havana port on Wednesday after conducting “high-precision missile weapons training” in the Atlantic Ocean with their crews in a semi-submerged state.
Cuba’s Foreign Ministry said the ships were not carrying nuclear weapons, a view echoed by U.S. officials.
Asked what signals Moscow was sending, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the West seemed to never pay attention to the signals Russia sent through diplomatic channels.
“As soon as we mention exercises or sea voyages, we immediately hear questions about the content of this information,” Zakharova said. “Why is it that only signals related to our army and navy reach the West?”
“Why is the West completely deaf to this and taking the strongest possible action to block Russian signals from entering its information sphere?”
Tourist attractions
The Russian warship was docked at the Havana cruise ship terminal on Thursday, just 100 miles from Key West, Florida.
Cubans and holidaymakers watched the ships from a distance, with dozens lining up in the hot Caribbean sun for a chance to board the frigate.
“The United States doesn’t have to worry,” said Havana resident Ariel Vera, 55, a government worker who was among the first in line. “Cuba is a peaceful country and our Russian friends are visiting Cuba in a friendly way.”
The Russian Defense Ministry said the Russian ships are expected to remain in Havana until June 17.
Cuba and Canada said the Canadian Navy patrol ship Margaret Brooke was also expected to arrive in Havana on Friday and would dock in the port not far from the Russian fleet.
Read more by Euractiv
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