A U.S. Navy submarine has arrived in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in a show of force as a fleet of Russian warships gather for planned military exercises in the Caribbean.
U.S. Southern Command stated the USS Helena, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, made its presence known on Thursday near the U.S. base in Cuba, following the entry of a Russian frigate, a nuclear-powered submarine, an oil tanker, and a rescue tug into Havana Bay a day prior after conducting drills in the Atlantic Ocean.
According to Pentagon officials, the Russian drills are not considered a threat to the United States, with the U.S. maintaining a vigilant stance by tracking and monitoring the activities. While the exercises are in international waters, the U.S. anticipates the Russian ships to remain in the region throughout the summer, possibly making stops in Venezuela.
The arrival of the Russian warships comes shortly after President Joe Biden’s authorization for Ukraine to utilize U.S.-provided weapons against Russia, leading to President Vladimir Putin hinting at potential retaliatory actions. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh emphasized the importance of such global exercises and the possibility of increased Russian presence around the United States.
Russia, being an established ally of Venezuela and Cuba, has a history of maritime visits to the Caribbean region. Past occurrences included unannounced dockings in Havana, solidifying ties between Russia and the island nations.
These recent developments underscore a complex geopolitical landscape, with the naval activities in the Caribbean signaling a strategic play between global powers. It remains to be seen how this dynamic will unfold in the coming months, shaping international relations and security in the region.
