Russian Spy Ship Makes Surprise Visit to Havana | The Moscow Times
HAVANA — A Russian spy ship slipped into Havana Bay for an
unannounced visit during a period of turmoil in Ukraine and displays
of military strength elsewhere in the world.
The Viktor Leonov SSV-175, part of the Vishnya class of intelligence
ships, quietly entered Cuban waters earlier this week and was docked
at a cruise ship terminal Thursday, its crew casually taking in the view
of the old colonial section of the Cuban capital as passersby gawked.
Russian warships have come and gone in Cuba since the collapse of the
Soviet Union, usually with much publicity and the opportunity
for Cubans to visit the ship. This time there was no mention in the
Cuban state-run media.
Russia has been stung by recent unrest in Ukraine, where
a pro-Russian government was ousted in favor of one seeking an alliance
with the West, and where Russia has a major naval base near Sevastopol
on the Black Sea.
Russia on Wednesday put 150,000 troops on high alert in central
and western Russia, including areas bordering Ukraine, in a show
of strength. Moscow denied the drill was linked to events in Ukraine.
APA man driving an American classic car past the Russian warship Viktor Leonov CCB-175 docked in Havana, Cuba.
