What do Cubans Think of Russian Ships in Havana?

In 2014, Barack Obama announced new relations with Cuba. U.S. cruise ships from Miami filled Havana’s port. Now, Russian warships have taken their place.

Trump and Biden rejected Obama’s opening in favor of a return to the Cold War policy of economic warfare. Under siege from the U.S, Cuba has sought support from its allies.

We asked Cubans what they think about the visit of the Russian and the U.S.’s policies toward Cuba.

“A fleet of Russian warships conducting missile exercises near Cuba, which is just 90 miles off of the Florida coast,” says CBS News Miami anchor Betty Nguyen.

“What are these warships doing so close to the United States?”, says CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnel.

“U.S. officials are taking it as a threat,” says an Al-Jazeera reporter.

What do Cubans think of the Russian ships in Havana’s port?

“Do you think Cuba poses a threat to the security of the United States?”, a Belly of the Beast reporter asks Cubans.

“No, I don’t think so,” says a Cuban young men waiting in line to visit the Admiral Gorshkov Russian frigate.

“Not at all,” says a Cuban woman, also in line.

“We are not a threat to anyone,” says a third Cuban in Havana’s port.

“If the international press and Western countries are saying the Russian visit is a threat, that’s a lie,” says an elderly Cuban man.

“I think it’s an event, an exchange. Everybody wants to see them. There are children here,” says a Cuban woman outside the Russian ship.

“I’ve never seen a submarine or a warship,” says another Cuban.

“We don’t have to stand with Russia or the U.S. We’re for peace, not for anyone,” a Cuban says.

In 2014, Barack Obama announced new relations with Cuba. U.S. cruise ships from Miami filled Havana’s port. Now, Russian ships have taken their place.

“Cuba-U.S. relations were better with Obama. Now they’re not good,” says another Cuban.

“Trump imposed 247 sanctions against Cuba. What has Cuba done to the U.S.?,” a Cuban says.

“Trump or Biden is going to get elected, and they are both against better relations,” says a Cuban.

Trump and Biden rejected Obama’s opening in favor of a return to the Cold War policy of economic warfare. Under siege from the U.S, Cuba has sought support from its allies.

“The country’s economic situation would be better without the U.S. embargo. They are suffocating us. So, friendly nations like Russia are helping us,” says a Cuban.

“We are in no position to choose our help. Except for war, we will accept any help,” another Cuban says.

“If we have the United States so close, why not be friends? It would be different,” a last Cuban says.