• Source:JND
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Cuban Crisis 2.0:  After Russia's naval task force, including a nuclear-powered submarine, docked at Cuba's Havana harbour, the United States responded by deploying an American attack submarine at the U.S. base in Guantanamo Bay. The action and reaction by the Cold War enemies have sparked fears of a Cuban Crisis 2.0. While the United States said that its attack submarine USS Helena is on a "global maritime security and national defence mission," Russia, on the other hand, took a veiled dig, saying that the 'United States should not be concerned about Russian warships in Cuba,' but it seems the West ignores diplomatic signals from Moscow and only pays attention when military forces take action.

Although the Russian action was downplayed by both Cuba and the USA as not posing any threat to the security of the region, experts suggest that the Russian naval movement is part of muscle-flexing to strike fear of Ukraine war spillage into a wider area.

(Crew members of the frigate Admiral Gorshkov stand as it enters Havana’s bay, Cuba, REUTERS)

The United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that although nothing suggests that Russia is moving any missiles into Cuba, they will remain vigilant. Responding to similar questions over US apprehensions of Russian movements, the Kremlin spokesperson told Reuters that such practices are common for a large maritime power such as Russia.

"This is a normal practice for all states, including such a large maritime power as Russia," Peskov told reporters. "So we don't see any reason to worry in this case."

However, on the question of what message Russia is trying to signal with the sea expedition, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the West never seemed to take notice when Russia communicated through diplomatic channels.

(Cuba map showing the positions of naval vessels of USA and Russia, Google) 

"As soon as it comes to exercises or sea voyages, we immediately hear questions and a desire to know what these messages are about," Zakharova said, as quoted by Reuters. "Why do only signals related to our army and navy reach the West? Why does the West remain completely deaf, and then come up with the most powerful campaigns to prevent Russian signals from entering its information realm?"

What prompted Russia to send a nuclear-powered submarine to Cuba?

Russia's decision to send a four-vessel naval task force to Havana might be an outcome of the West's recent aid to Ukraine. Days ago, American President Joe Biden greenlit a proposal allowing the Ukrainian forces to hit Russian territory with US weapons. The change in US stance had angered the Kremlin, which vowed serious consequences in return. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Tuesday of "serious consequences" and reminded the West of Russia's nuclear capabilities if Ukraine's Western allies altered their current policy.