Photo: The Russian nuclear submarine “Kazan” parked in the port of Havana. \AFP

[Ta Kung Pao News]According to AFP: On June 12, local time, a fleet of the Russian Northern Fleet arrived at the port of Havana, Cuba, starting a six-day visit, during which the Russian Navy fleet will hold joint exercises with Cuba. U.S. officials revealed that when the Russian fleet sailed less than 30 miles from the coast of Florida on the 11th, the U.S. government authorized the deployment of warships and aircraft to nearby areas to “track” the fleet.

The Russian fleet included the nuclear submarine Kazan, the frigate Admiral Gorshkov equipped with the Zircon hypersonic missile, the fleet tanker Pashin and the salvage tugboat Nikolay Chikkel. When the fleet entered the port, the Russian warships and the Cuban army fired salutes and exchanged greetings.

The Cuban Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces issued a statement earlier this month saying that the visit of the Russian naval fleet to Cuba is in line with the historical friendly relations between the two countries and strictly abides by relevant international regulations. All ships do not carry nuclear weapons and their stay in Cuba will not pose a threat to the region.

The Russian naval fleet’s visit has caused anxiety in the United States, as the closest distance between Havana and the United States is only 180 kilometers. U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that the “Kazan” in the Russian fleet is a nuclear-powered submarine, but it does not carry nuclear weapons. White House National Security Council spokesman Kirby said there is no indication that the Russian fleet carries nuclear weapons or is preparing to use nuclear weapons in exercises.