The US Election Countdown newsletter is offering free access to stories that revolve around money and politics in the run-up to the White House race. One of the latest key developments is the impending arrival of a Russian naval flotilla in Cuba, marking the first visit since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. This move by Moscow signals a tightening bond between Russia and its long-standing ally Cuba in the face of escalating tensions with the US over the war in Ukraine. The fleet, composed of a nuclear-powered submarine and three warships, is set to dock in the same spot where US cruise ships used to anchor before being banned by the Trump administration five years ago.
Russian-US relations have a history of tit-for-tat actions involving Cuba, with Moscow’s recent gesture serving as a reminder to Washington that it cannot act with impunity in Ukraine without facing consequences elsewhere. Cuba has remained a steadfast ally of Russia in the Americas, with deeper ties than ever since the Cold War era. Russia, seeking diplomatic support for its Ukraine conflict, views Cuba as an important ally due to its influence among developing nations. In return, Cuba is eager for economic assistance as it grapples with a downturn in its centrally planned economy, lingering effects of the pandemic on tourism, and severe power shortages. Russia has increased its oil supplies to Cuba, and investments in sectors like hotels and rum production have been announced as well.
The Cuban leadership’s rhetoric has shifted towards unabashed support for Russia, with President Miguel Diáz-Canel openly backing Putin’s military actions in Ukraine and blaming sanctions on a common enemy – the US. The current US administration under Joe Biden has maintained a policy of limited engagement with Cuba, leaving room for US adversaries like Russia to strengthen their ties with the island nation. This echoes history, as Cuba’s alignment with the Soviet Union during the Cold War led to the 1962 missile crisis, a precarious situation that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. While the Russian warships arriving in Cuba this week are said to carry no nuclear weapons, the geopolitical implications of their presence are significant.
As the US and Russia navigate a new era of tensions reminiscent of the Cold War, Cuba finds itself once again in the adversarial camp. The Biden administration remains vigilant but unsurprised by Russian military activities in the Caribbean, viewing them as a return to the dynamics of the pre-1990 era. With Cuban-Russian relations rekindled and Cuba’s alignment growing stronger, the international community is watching closely to see how this renewed partnership will impact global geopolitics. As the countdown to the US elections continues, these unfolding events in Cuba serve as a reminder of the intricate interplay between money, politics, and international relations in today’s interconnected world.
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