Russian Spy Ship in Havana on Eve of US-Cuba Talks
A Russian intelligence warship Viktor Leonov CCB-175 docked in Havana on Tuesday, January 20, a day before the start of historic US-Cuba talks aimed at normalizing diplomatic relations, reports AFP. The spy ship arrived at a passenger cruise terminal in full public view for what a Russian embassy official called a “friendly” three-day stay. There was nothing stealthy about the arrival of the ship, which was moored to a pier in Old Havana where cruise ships often dock. But the visit was not officially announced by Cuban authorities. Observers feel that the whole incident looked like Russian President Vladimir Putin sends Cold War-style message to Washington on day that Kremlin announces plans to extend global military presence with new bases.
Russian Spy Ship Makes Surprise Visit to Havana
A Russian spy ship slipped into Havana Bay for an unannounced visit during a period of turmoil in Ukraine and displays of military strength elsewhere in the world. The Viktor Leonov SSV-175, part of the Vishnya class of intelligence ships, quietly entered Cuban waters earlier this week and was docked at a cruise ship terminal on Thursday, its crew casually taking in the view of the old colonial section of the Cuban capital as passers-by gawked. Russian warships have come and gone in Cuba since the collapse of the Soviet Union…