Russian Navy Ship Perekop Arrives in Havana, Carrying Aid and Cultural Exhibits

On July 11, the Russian Navy vessel Perekop docked at the port of Havana in Cuba and smoothly sailed into the bay of the Cuban capital.

The Perekop, a vessel from the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy, carried over 100 cadets from Russian naval military universities, as well as humanitarian aid and multimedia exhibition equipment for the Museum of Fine Arts in Havana. The remarkable highlights of the ship's arrival in Cuba and the accompanying ceremonies can be found in the Sputnik photographic report.

Following an extensive transatlantic journey, the Russian Navy training ship Perekop entered the harbor of Havana. Accompanied by over a hundred cadets, the ship transported essential humanitarian supplies from the administrations of Saint Petersburg and Moscow to the island. Additionally, it carried equipment for the virtual branch of the Russian Museum, which has been actively operating since 2015 within the premises of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Havana.

Welcoming Ceremony Attended by Cuban and Russian Officials Strengthens Bilateral Ties

Furthermore, the salute ceremony held at the port featured the presence of esteemed representatives from the Revolutionary Navy of the Republic and the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of the Republic of Cuba. The event saw the esteemed presence of Víctor Coronelli, the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Russia in the Republic of Cuba, and Rear Admiral Vladislav Pavlov, the deputy commander of the Russian Navy. The anthems of the Republic of Cuba and the Russian Federation resonated throughout the event, symbolizing the strong ties between the two nations. To commemorate the arrival of the Russian ship, the San Carlos de la Cabana Fortress fired the Salute of the Nations, consisting of 21 powerful salutes. Since July 9, Havana has been hosting cultural and business events sponsored by St. Petersburg, a city with which the Cuban capital has enjoyed a long-standing relationship built on mutual respect and trust. The Perekop will remain docked in Havana until July 14, providing an opportunity for visitors to explore the ship. Open for public visits on July 12 and 13, it invites everyone to step aboard and experience its grandeur firsthand.

In June, Cuban Defense Minister Alvaro López Miera visited Moscow and held discussions with his Russian counterpart. This meeting took place shortly after a brief rebellion involving the Russian mercenary group Wagner, which posed a challenge to the Russian military authorities.

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Cuba-Russia Alliance: Historical Partnership Amid US Sanctions and Economic Cooperation

During their meeting, the defense ministers of Cuba and Russia engaged in talks regarding the advancement of joint "military technical" projects. This development was reported by media sources and confirmed by the Russian Defense Ministry. The incident involving the Wagner group had raised concerns about maintaining control and stability under the leadership of Vladimir Putin.

Cuba and Russia have a longstanding history of political alliance, and both countries face sanctions from the United States. In recent months, economic ties between them have seen significant growth, allowing for increased trade and investment aimed at circumventing these restrictions. The Cuban government, in particular, attributes a significant portion of its challenges to these sanctions.

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