A Russian naval flotilla, consisting of three surface vessels and a nuclear-powered submarine, sailed within 30 miles of the Florida coast on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
The move prompted a swift response from the U.S. Navy, which deployed warships and aircraft to track the Russian vessels’ movements.
The Russian flotilla is reportedly en route to Cuba for a series of extensive military exercises, the first of their kind in at least five years.
Read: Geopolitical Tensions Flare As Russia Prepares Caribbean Naval Exercises
While U.S. officials have acknowledged the proximity of the Russian ships to Florida, they emphasize that the vessels have remained in international waters and have not posed a direct threat to the United States.
“We have been monitoring the ships’ paths closely,” a U.S. official stated. “At no point have the ships or submarine posed a direct threat to the United States.”
The incident has raised concerns among some observers, who view it as a show of force by Russia in the Caribbean region.
However, others argue that the exercises are routine and should not be cause for alarm.
The U.S. Navy continues to monitor the situation and has assured the public that it is taking all necessary measures to protect American interests.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States and Russia, even as the two countries cooperate on issues such as nuclear arms control.
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