In a demonstration of military presence, a U.S. Navy submarine docked at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as Russian warships arrived in the Caribbean for planned exercises. The USS Helena, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, entered the waters near the U.S. base on Thursday, a day after Russian naval vessels, including a frigate, a nuclear-powered submarine, an oil tanker, and a rescue tug, reached Havana Bay.

The U.S. Southern Command described the USS Helena’s docking as part of a “routine port visit” during its transit through the region, emphasizing that this is a standard procedure.

Pentagon officials, while monitoring the Russian drills, have stated they do not perceive these activities as a direct threat to the United States. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh mentioned, “We’ve seen them do these type of port calls before. We, of course, take it seriously, but these exercises don’t pose a threat to the United States.”

The timing of these exercises is notable, occurring shortly after President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weapons for defensive actions inside Russia to protect Kharkiv. This decision prompted Russian President Vladimir Putin to hint at potential “asymmetrical steps” in response, possibly extending Russian military activities globally.

Pentagon officials, including Singh, anticipate increased Russian naval activity in international waters near the U.S., with the expectation that Russian ships will remain in the region throughout the summer, possibly making additional stops in Venezuela. Russia maintains strong alliances with both Venezuela and Cuba, periodically conducting military operations in the Caribbean.

Since 2008, Russian warships have occasionally docked in Havana, marking significant visits after long absences. In 2015, a Russian reconnaissance and communications ship arrived in Havana unexpectedly, coinciding with the start of U.S.-Cuban diplomatic discussions. This history of naval visits underscores the strategic ties between Russia and Cuba, reflecting ongoing geopolitical maneuvers.

The presence of both U.S. and Russian naval forces in close proximity highlights the escalating military posturing as global tensions over the Ukraine conflict continue to rise