The nuclear-powered submarine Kazan concluded the Russian government's military parade in Cuba on Wednesday morning.
The ship entered Havana Bay in fourth place, leaving behind the unusual sight of a submarine next to the iconic Morro-Cabaña architectural complex.
On social media, as expected, the show has sparked divided opinions.
"A Russian nuclear submarine and three warships are entering Havana... the Cuban regime is bowing to Putin's orders and offering our ports for this," Magdiel Castro wrote on Twitter.
On the opposite end, there were those who spontaneously composed verses inspired by Nicolás Guillén, overwhelmed with emotion at the event.
The K-561 Kazan is a nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine of the Yasen class in the Russian Navy. The submarine, which is deployed with the Northern Fleet of Russia, is named after the city of Kazan.
The Russian Navy flotilla arrived in Havana as part of a scheduled visit that has generated significant anticipation due to its geopolitical importance.
The oil tanker from the Pashin fleet led the convoy and entered the bay shortly after seven in the morning, with the support of Cuban technicians.
Next, the rescue tug Nikolai Chiker (SB-131) from the Northern Fleet's naval group entered.
Thirdly, the frigate "Almirante Gorshkov," which leads the group of the Russian Federation Navy, entered Havana harbor. It will begin an official visit to the island today that will last until June 17.
Following the arrival of the impressive ships in Havana Bay, there has been a surge of photos from press agencies and locals who have flocked to the Havana port to witness the event, reminiscent of the past when cruise ships from the United States would arrive.
Diplomatic personnel and Russian tourists visiting the island also did not want to miss the display of their country's power in Cuban waters.
In recent hours, the U.S. government has deployed several warships and a submarine reconnaissance plane to track the movement of the Russian flotilla.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) of Cuba announced last week the arrival in Havana, on an "official visit," of several ships from the Russian Navy.
The MINREX clarified that none of the ships are carrying nuclear weapons and that their stop in the country does not pose a threat to the region.
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