Russian Warship Docked In Cuba
NewsWatch
A Russian warship was docked in Havana Wednesday, without
explanation from Communist Cuba or its state media.
The Viktor Leonov CCB-175 boat, measuring 91.5 meters (300
feet) long and 14.5 meters wide, was docked at the port of Havana’s cruise ship
area, near the Russian Orthodox Cathedral.
The Vishnya, or Meridian-class intelligence ship, which has
a crew of around 200, went into service in the Black Sea in 1988 before it was
transferred seven years later to the northern fleet, Russian media sources
said.
Neither Cuban authorities nor state media have mentioned the
ship’s visit, unlike on previous tours by Russian warships.
The former Soviet Union was Cuba’s sponsor state through three
decades of Cold War. After a period of some distancing under former Russian
president Boris Yeltsin, the countries renewed their political, economic and
military cooperation.
The ship is reportedly armed with 30mm guns and
anti-aircraft missiles.
Its visit comes as isolated Havana’s current economic and
political patron, Venezuela, is facing unprecedented violent protests against
President Nicolas Maduro’s government.
Cuban President Raul Castro’s Communist government is the
Americas’ only one-party regime.
