Russian Defense Official Calls for Deployment of Nuclear Weapons in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua
First Deputy Chairman of the Defense Committee of the State Duma (lower house of the Federal Assembly), Alexei Zhuravlev, has called for the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons in Cuba, as well as in Nicaragua and Venezuela. This idea has been gaining traction among analysts and military personnel in Russia, who have been expressing similar sentiments over the past two years.
Zhuravlev’s statements come in response to reports that the US intends to deploy nuclear warheads to the Lakenheath air base in the United Kingdom, citing the “growing threat from Russia.” He noted that the probable placement of US nuclear weapons in the United Kingdom will have little impact on the overall military-political situation, given London’s existing nuclear arsenal and the presence of US nuclear weapons in military bases in seven European Union countries closer to Russia.
In advocating for the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, Zhuravlev highlighted the advancements in Russian weapons systems, including hypersonic missiles and submarines, which he believes would be able to respond to any invasion by the United States and NATO.
These statements come amidst NATO’s largest military exercise since the Cold War, known as Steadfast Defender 2024, which aims to test the joint response to the outbreak of World War III and deter Russia from attacking a member country of the organization.
The idea of deploying Russian military bases in Cuba and Venezuela, including the transfer of cruise missiles to these countries, has also been supported by retired Russian Army colonel Victor Baranets, who suggested that Russia could deploy “smart missiles” in the region capable of attacking the United States.
Additionally, Russian media confirmed the presence of Lieutenant General and Hero of Russia Andrei Gushchin, who was in charge of Moscow troops in the invasion of Chechnya and Syria, at the head of the Kremlin’s military delegation in Havana. This has raised concerns about the possibility of Russian missile deployment on the island.
Furthermore, reports have revealed the existence of a Russian spy network operating from Cuba, allegedly against US targets, with members specializing in rocketry, cybernetics, and espionage.
All these developments signal an increasing presence of Russia’s military plans in Cuba, which have become a topic of concern in the global geopolitical panorama. And with the increasing contacts between senior military and security officials in Moscow and Havana, as well as the coordination of the Cuban regime with Russia and China, the situation continues to evolve, with implications for regional and global security.