Russian Warships to Visit Havana Amid Rising Tensions

Russian warships from the Baltic Fleet will visit Havana from July 27-30 for the second time this year. The Smolniy, Neustrashimiy, and Yelnya will participate, and Russian sailors will meet the Cuban Navy head. Local residents can board the Smolniy. The visit comes amid heightened Ukraine-related tensions.

Warships from Russia's Baltic Fleet are set to make a port visit to Havana from July 27-30, the Russian news agencies reported on Thursday, citing Cuba's defence ministry. This marks the second visit of its kind this year.

The RIA state news agency confirmed that the training ship Smolniy, the patrol frigate Neustrashimiy (Fearless), and the refuelling tanker Yelnya will participate. During the visit, Russian sailors are scheduled to meet the head of the Cuban Navy, and local residents will have the opportunity to board the Smolniy and look around.

Last month, a Russian navy frigate and a nuclear-powered submarine also docked in Havana, a move the U.S. and Cuba deemed non-threatening but widely perceived as a display of Russian military strength amid rising tensions over the Ukraine conflict. Havana's proximity to Key West, Florida, home to a U.S. Naval Air Station, ensures that such visits attract close scrutiny from the United States.

(With inputs from agencies.)