Russian warships in Cuba - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. In December 2018, two Russian warships, the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the tugboat Nikolay Chiker, arrived in Havana, Cuba for a five-day visit. This marked the first time in several years that Russian warships had visited Cuba.
- 2. The visit was seen as a demonstration of the close military ties between Russia and Cuba, as well as a show of support for the Cuban government.
- 3. The Admiral Gorshkov is a state-of-the-art frigate equipped with advanced missile systems and other weapons. It is one of the most modern warships in the Russian Navy.
- 4. The visit of the Russian warships to Cuba sparked speculation about the possibility of Russia reestablishing a military presence on the island, similar to what existed during the Cold War.
- 5. Russian officials downplayed any suggestions of a military buildup in Cuba, stating that the visit was simply a routine stop for the warships.
- 6. The visit of the Russian warships to Cuba came at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and the United States, particularly in the aftermath of the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
- 7. The United States closely monitored the activities of the Russian warships during their visit to Cuba, but did not take any direct action to oppose their presence.
- 8. The visit of the Russian warships to Cuba was seen as a symbolic gesture of solidarity between Russia and Cuba, two countries that have historically had close diplomatic and military ties.
- 9. The Admiral Gorshkov and Nikolay Chiker were greeted with a welcoming ceremony upon their arrival in Havana, with Cuban military officials expressing their gratitude for the visit.
- 10. The visit of the Russian warships to Cuba was seen as a reminder of the continuing influence of Russia in the Western Hemisphere, as well as a display of military power in a region where both Russia and the United States have strategic interests.