Russian warships conducted drills in the Atlantic as they headed to visit Cuba, according to the military. The exercises, involving the Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the Kazan nuclear-powered submarine, simulated a missile strike on enemy ships over 600 kilometers away. The Admiral Gorshkov is armed with Zircon hypersonic missiles, capable of penetrating anti-missile defenses at speeds nine times faster than the speed of sound. The visit to Havana reflects the historically friendly relations between Russia and Cuba, with Cuban officials clarifying that the warships will not carry nuclear weapons and do not pose a threat to the region.
This move comes amid tensions with the West over Ukraine, with Russian President Vladimir Putin warning of a potential response to Ukraine’s Western allies providing weapons to strike Russian targets. The U.S. announced tracking Russian warships and aircraft expected to arrive in the Caribbean for a military exercise. While Russia has sent warships to the Caribbean before, this visit follows Putin’s recent warning.
The Cuban Foreign Ministry stated that the Russian warships will be in Havana from Wednesday until June 17. The visit serves as a demonstration of Russian power projection in the region, showcasing their advanced weaponry and capabilities. As global tensions remain high, the presence of Russian warships in the Caribbean and their military drills serve as a reminder of the ongoing power dynamics between Russia and the West.
Source
Photo credit apnews.com