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.
The port call came on the same day that Kremlin defense minister Sergei Shoigu announced plans for Russia to extend its global military footprint with new bases in a number of countries, including Vietnam, Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua.
US officials in Washington played down the presence of the Russian vessel, saying it was perfectly legal and not at all out of the ordinary.
“It’s not unprecedented. It’s not unusual. It’s not alarming,” a defense official told AFP.
"It may have a secret mission, but they're certainly not trying to hide the ship's presence," CNN's Patrick Oppman reported as he gestured to the spy ship behind him.
It wouldn't be the first time Russia used its fleet to send such blunt messages to its rivals.
