A warship converted into a floating laboratory, with a Soviet history and a Russian flag, entered Havana Bay this Saturday, sparking curiosity and political interpretations on an island increasingly mired in crisis.
It is the Admiral Vladimirsky, an oceanographic research vessel of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy, which is arriving on a work visit, as confirmed by the Russian embassy in Cuba.
The imposing vessel, built in 1975, is equipped to conduct hydrological, meteorological, and oceanographic research, but its arrival is not solely driven by scientific interests. It set sail from Kronstadt, a Russian port city located about 30 km west of St. Petersburg, on March 13.
According to diplomatic sources, the vessel is also carrying educational materials that will be donated to Cuban institutions, a gesture that resonates in a country where the lack of resources in schools and universities has been increasing in recent years.
“The oceanographic research vessel Almirante Vladimirsky enters the bay of Havana. (…) It is designed to monitor currents and conduct research in hydrology and meteorology,” reported the Russian diplomatic mission on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The ship, which can accommodate up to 170 people, is equipped to conduct studies in chemical hydrology, marine biology, wave observations, atmosphere, and other oceanographic parameters, according to the Ministry of Defense of Russia.
Belonging to the Akademik Krylov class, the Admiral Vladimirsky is a ship with a displacement of over 9,000 tons, a length of 147.8 meters, and a beam of 18.6 meters. It was built by the Szczecin Shipyard for the Soviet Navy and later joined the Russian Navy.
However, beyond its scientific profile, various reports from Western sources indicate that the vessel also performs intelligence-gathering functions in the regions where it operates. Among its tasks is mapping the seabed to detect the location of undersea cables and strategic gas pipelines. This work has led to its presence in the Baltic Sea, a usual area of operations, being closely monitored by NATO naval forces.
The visit of the Vladimirsky is not the first to the region. Last April it docked in Venezuela, where it was regarded as a "milestone" in technical-military cooperation between Moscow and Caracas.
Her presence now in Cuba reignites the historical ties between both countries and is set against a geopolitical backdrop marked by confrontation with the West.
Beyond the scientific component, the arrival of the vessel provokes interpretations about the role that Russia seeks to play in Latin America, and specifically in Cuba, amidst a tense international landscape and with the island seeking allies in times of economic hardship.
For many Cubans, however, what resonates most is the fact that the ship brings concrete help for the education system. In a country where parents, students, and teachers face daily shortages of books, paper, computers, or basic teaching materials, any donation takes on special significance.
The arrival of the Russian ship coincides with the anchoring in Cienfuegos, the so-called "Pearl of the South," of the Simón Bolívar Training Ship of the Venezuelan Navy, known as the "Ambassador without Borders," reported the official newspaper Granma.
With a crew of 190 people, the Simón Bolívar Training Ship was received with military honors, speeches of brotherhood, and a floral tribute at the bust of José Martí. For its officers and cadets, this marks their second visit to the Cuban city, following their stop in 2019.
“Every time we come to Cuba, we feel at home. The treatment has always been special, like that of brothers”, said Captain Ronald José Briceño Horta, commander of the Venezuelan ship.
During their stay, the Bolivarian sailors will visit historical and cultural sites, as well as open the ship to the Cuban public, who will be able to tour it this Sunday and on the following days.
Although both arrivals have been presented as working visits or training cruises, the coincidence does not go unnoticed. In times of sanctions, narratives of "blockade," and calls for resistance, the almost simultaneous arrival of two military ships sends a clear geopolitical message, both within and outside the island.
Frequently asked questions about the arrival of the Russian ship in Havana and the relationship between Cuba and Russia
What Russian ship arrived in Havana and what is its purpose?
The Russian ship that arrived in Havana is the Almirante Vladimirsky, an oceanographic research vessel from the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy. Although it is designed to conduct hydrological, meteorological, and oceanographic research, its arrival also has a political and symbolic component, as it brings educational materials to donate to Cuban institutions at a time when the island is facing a severe shortage of educational resources.
What is the current context of the relationship between Cuba and Russia?
The relationship between Cuba and Russia has intensified in recent years, reaching what is described as a "qualitatively higher level." This relationship has manifested in various areas such as energy, culture, and education. Russia has provided technical and logistical assistance to Cuba to address its energy crisis and has strengthened cooperation in other strategic sectors, despite the international criticism and sanctions that Russia faces due to its foreign policy.
What implications does the arrival of the Russian ship have in the current geopolitical context?
The arrival of the Russian ship in Cuba has significant geopolitical implications, as it revives the historic ties between the two countries at a time of international tension. Russia's presence in Cuba is seen as an attempt by Moscow to consolidate its influence in Latin America, especially in the context of confrontation with the West. Furthermore, it coincides with the arrival of a Venezuelan ship in Cienfuegos, reinforcing the idea of a geopolitical alliance in the region.
How does the Cuba-Russia relationship affect the United States' perception of the island?
The relationship between Cuba and Russia is viewed with concern by the United States, which considers that Cuba poses a threat to its national security. The cooperation between Cuba, Russia, and other adversaries of the United States, such as China, is seen as a challenge to regional stability and contributes to geopolitical tension in the Western Hemisphere, according to statements from senior officials of U.S. Southern Command.
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