A group of Russian warships, closely monitored by U.S. destroyers, arrived in Havana on Wednesday morning for upcoming military exercises in the Caribbean.

The arrival included the missile frigate Admiral Gorshkov, greeted by Cuban and Russian officials, tourists, and locals, with a 21-gun salute.

The nuclear-powered submarine Kazan was also seen near Havana Harbor before submerging.

Russian media reported that the Kazan, equipped with Zircon hypersonic missiles, can approach U.S. shores within 50 km, though it is unclear if it carried Zircons while visiting Cuba.

Cuban authorities stated the Russian vessels do not pose a nuclear threat, the Miami Herald has reported.

This presence, 90 miles from U.S. shores, is perceived as a defiant move by Putin following Biden’s support for Ukraine.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan noted there is no evidence of missile placement in Cuba, and similar visits have occurred under previous administrations.

The Biden administration views the naval movements as a response to U.S. actions, but the U.S. Navy has deployed a significant flotilla to monitor the situation.

Written by B.C. Begley