Russian Tourists Flock Back to Cuba, Raising Concerns
Russia and Cuba are renewing their relationship, with Russia offering Cuba great deals on gasoline, emergency donations of wheat, promises to build hotels, increase Russian tourism flows, and open retail stores stocked with Russian household products. In return, Cuba will grant Russian entrepreneurs long-term property leases and allow duty-free import of Russian equipment. Concerns are growing as Russia's return to Cuba could lead to increased Russian naval presence, the revival of a spy station, and the potential for intelligence sharing between Cuba and Russia, posing a threat to the United States.