* By Jaime Suchlicki
Perhaps they never left Cuba. They have been on the island since Fidel Castro welcomed them in 1959.
With the collapse of the Soviet Union-Cuba relations cooled somewhat. But relations are warming up again. A recent report from a Havana participant in recent conversations on the island between Cuban and Russian officials indicates the Russians willingness to commit resources in an effort at incorporating Cuba to the Russian empire. Once the Ukrainian war ends, Russia will attempt to assert its influence over the Caribbean.
An extensive memo of understanding between Cuba and the Russians includes: Russia will invest in Cuba’s agricultural lands to produce for the Russian market; will increase commercial flights to Cuba’s eight airports and will modernize Cuba’s major industries and reduce tariffs and costs for Russian exports to Cuba. The first all-Russian hotel and shopping mall will be built on the island, as well as banking facilities. The Russians also offered anti-riot equipment and the possibility of the establishment of a Lourdes-type espionage facility.
While this new memo of understanding seems benevolent and focused on helping the Cuban economy, there is the underlying threat of close military relations. The growing number of visits by Russian naval vessels, especially nuclear submarines, will create an international crisis forcing the United States to react. In 1962, Soviet missiles were planted on Cuba soil. This time, Russian nuclear submarines will be more difficult to track and to eradicate in the ocean’s depth.
These agreements follow Nikolai Patrushev’s visit to Cuba in February. He’s the head of Russian security forces. His earlier meetings with Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela and with Raul Castro and Cuba’s “President” Miguel Diaz-Canel indicate a new Russian strategic gamble in either country.
Patrushev emphasized in Cuba that, “The U.S. is trying to create a global colonial empire where only the voice of the West will be heard.” He added that, “Many people talk about so-called neo-colonialism, the method remains the same political suppression and military blackmail, financial enslavement and aggressive propaganda.”
“We are grateful to the Cubans and always ready to lend a helping hand to the fraternal Cuban people.”
(Previously published by the Miami Herald, June 23, 2023)
*Jaime Suchlicki is director of the Cuban Studies Institute, a nonprofit research group in Coral Gables.
