TEMPO.CO, Havana - A Russian spy ship has slipped into Havana Bay for an unannounced visit this weekend. This was during a period of turmoil in Ukraine and displays of military strength elsewhere in the world.
Reuters reported, 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 yesterday with its crew casually taking in the view of the old colonial section of the Cuban capital.
Russian warships have come and gone in Cuba since the collapse of the Soviet Union, usually with much publicity and the opportunity for Cubans to visit the ship. This time there was no mention in the Cuban state-run media.
Russia has been stung by recent unrest in Ukraine, where a pro-Russian government was ousted in favor of one seeking an alliance with the West. Russia on Wednesday put 150,000 troops on high alert in Central and Western parts of the country, including areas bordering Ukraine, in a show of strength. Moscow denied the drill was linked to events in Ukraine.
On Wednesday in Moscow, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia planned to increase its military projection abroad, including in Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua.
A Russian embassy official described the visit as "friendly," saying members of the Viktor Leonov SSV-175 crew joined Havana officials in laying a wreath at a monument to Soviet soldiers.
ANINGTIAS JATMIKA | REUTERS
