US attack sub, Canada navy patrol ship arrive in Cuba on heels of Russian warships - Reuters

A U.S. attack submarine and a Canadian navy patrol ship arrived in Cuba on Wednesday, following the arrival of Russian warships in the Caribbean, the U.S. Navy and the Canadian Armed Forces said in separate statements. The U.S. Navy's statement said the USS Florida, a Virginia-class attack submarine, arrived in Havana for a scheduled port visit. The Canadian Armed Forces said HMCS Goose Bay, a Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and offshore patrol ship, arrived in Havana for a four-day visit as part of Operation NANOOK, a series of exercises that took place in the Arctic and Atlantic. The Russian warships, the guided missile cruiser Moskva and the destroyer Admiral Essen, docked in Havana last month, and left Cuba on Monday. While the U.S. Navy said the Florida's port visit was planned, the timing of the arrival of the U.S. and Canadian ships follows the recent visit of Russian warships. Russia's war in Ukraine has heightened tension between Russia and the West, and the recent deployment of Russian warships to the Caribbean has fueled speculation about Moscow's intentions. The U.S. and its allies have repeatedly accused Russia of using its military to intimidate and destabilize its neighbors. Canada's Defence Minister Anita Anand said last month that Russia's naval presence in the Caribbean is a reminder of the need for vigilance and strong partnerships. The presence of the U.S. and Canadian ships in Cuba is likely to be seen as a show of force in the region, aimed at deterring Russia and reassuring U.S. allies.

Summary

"The arrival of a U.S. attack submarine and a Canadian navy patrol ship in Cuba follows the recent visit of Russian warships, highlighting the heightened tension between Russia and the West. While the U.S. Navy insists the visit was planned, the timing suggests a strategic response to Russia's naval presence in the Caribbean."

Updated at: 06.15.2024