Russian warships headed to Caribbean for drills next week

United States officials have announced that Russian warships and aircraft are set to arrive in the Caribbean for a military exercise, a move seen as a show of force amid increasing tensions over Western military support for Ukraine.

According to two officials, the exercise, which will be under U.S. military surveillance, will involve a “handful” of Russian ships and support vessels.

Cuba’s foreign ministry confirmed in a news release that the ships will dock in Havana from June 12 to June 17, emphasizing that none will carry nuclear weapons and assuring that their presence “does not represent a threat to the region.”

While this is not the first instance of Russian naval presence in the Caribbean, this particular exercise comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted at taking “asymmetrical steps” globally in response to President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weapons to strike within Russia, aiming to protect Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

U.S. officials indicated that the exercise is “certainly” part of a broader Russian response to U.S. support for Ukraine, as well as an effort by Putin to demonstrate that his navy still holds global power projection capabilities despite having lost several ships to Ukrainian strikes.

- Advertisement -

Ukrainian military officials reported in March that Russia had lost one-third of its Black Sea fleet to Ukrainian attacks over the past two years of conflict.

Although Russia did not notify the U.S. of the impending exercise, the U.S. Navy has been tracking the ships’ movements, the officials said.

Typically, countries notify one another of such exercises to prevent miscalculations, but the officials noted that militaries worldwide have the right to conduct exercises in international waters.

The officials also mentioned that the Russian ships are expected to remain in the region throughout the summer and will likely conduct similar follow-up exercises in the Caribbean after this one concludes.

The officials said Congress was notified of the upcoming Russian exercises on Wednesday.

More Stories

Guyana Government to assist sugar workers

Guyana in diplomatic talks with US over Cuban medical missions sanctions

The Government of Guyana is engaged in diplomatic discussions with the United States to address concerns over the expansion of US restrictions on Cuba’s...
Nearly six thousand people killed Haiti in 2024

IACHR expresses concern over worsening security crisis in Haiti

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has voiced grave concerns over the escalating security crisis in Haiti, citing a surge in extreme violence...
Owen James

Jamaican media mourns the passing of veteran journalist Owen James

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran journalist Owen James, hailing him as a trailblazer in...
Turks and Caicos

US warns Americans not to travel with firearms or ammo to Turks and Caicos

The U.S. Department of State has issued a forceful warning to American travelers, urging them to leave all firearms and ammunition at home when...
Barbados to host 69th CARPHA

Barbados to host 69th CARPHA Health Research Conference focused on mental health

Barbados will host the 69th Annual Health Research Conference of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) from May 7 to 9, with a...
Stuart Young

Stuart Young to be sworn in as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago on March 17

Energy Minister Stuart Young is set to be sworn in as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago on March 17, following Dr. Keith Rowley’s...
Issa Trust Foundation

Issa Trust Foundation expands neonatal training in Jamaica

From February 28 to March 14, 2025, the Issa Trust Foundation spearheaded a critical initiative to enhance neonatal care in Jamaica by providing specialized...
eGov Technology Showcase

Jamaica advances digital transformation at eGov Technology Showcase

The future of Jamaica’s digital transformation took center stage at yesterday’s eGov Jamaica Limited GOJ Digital Government Technology Showcase at the Jamaica Pegasus. The event,...
Jamaica tufton

Jamaica’s health minister: No evidence of forced labor among Cuban medical workers

Jamaica's Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has dismissed concerns that Cuban medical professionals working in Jamaica are victims of forced labor, reaffirming...
imf

IMF highlights St. Lucia’s strong economic performance

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended St. Lucia’s economic recovery, citing strong growth in tourism, construction, and manufacturing. In its 2024 Article IV consultation,...

Latest Articles

Skip to content