Four Russian vessels, including a nuclear-powered submarine, are scheduled to arrive in Havana next week, as announced by Cuban officials. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba stated that these vessels, which do not possess nuclear weapons, will dock in the Cuban capital from June 12 to 17. The ministry assured that their presence poses no threat to the region.

According to Cuba's Foreign Ministry, the visit aligns with the longstanding amicable relations between Cuba and the Russian Federation and strictly follows international regulations.

However, the deployment of the formidable nuclear submarine Kazan and three other naval vessels in such close proximity to the United States has raised concerns amidst escalating tensions related to the conflict in Ukraine. The distance between Cuba and the US is only about 145km (90 miles) at their nearest point.

Recent remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at the possibility of Moscow taking unconventional measures if Western nations like Germany and the US furnish Ukraine with weaponry that is subsequently used on Russian territory.

In response, the US and its allies emphasized that the supplied weapons are designated for border areas from where Russia has launched numerous attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks.

A US official disclosed that Russia intended to dispatch combat vessels to the Caribbean region for naval exercises, although Washington perceives this action as non-threatening. Nevertheless, the US Navy will monitor the exercises.

The Russian vessels visiting Havana include the Kazan nuclear submarine, the Gorshkov frigate, the Pashin fleet oil tanker, and the Nikolay Chiker salvage tug, as announced by Cuba's Foreign Ministry.

Upon the fleet's arrival at the port of Havana, a total of 21 salvos will be fired from one of the ships as a gesture of respect to the nation, reciprocated by an artillery battery from Cuba's Revolutionary Armed Forces, the Ministry added.

Since the meeting between Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Putin in 2022, ties between Russia and Cuba have strengthened. The two leaders met recently for the annual military parade on Red Square outside the Kremlin.

Back in the Cold War era, Cuba served as a crucial ally for the Soviet Union. The placement of Soviet nuclear missile sites on Cuban soil sparked the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, bringing the US and Russia to the brink of war. Consequently, the US imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, which persists to this day.