The Russian State Duma has approved an agreement on military cooperation between Russia and Cuba. According to government officials, the document establishes a legal framework for expanding bilateral defense collaboration, defining its objectives, directions, and forms.

Military expert Viktor Baranets explained that the agreement provides for joint military exercises, military assistance including the supply of combat equipment, and the potential deployment of military bases and facilities on each other’s territories.

Baranets noted that this decision comes at a time when the United States is supplying long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. He described the move as a clear response to Washington’s actions, adding that Russia had repeatedly warned the U.S. and NATO against moving closer to its borders.

The expert suggested that Russia could not only revive its former signals intelligence center in Cuba but also build new military infrastructure, including full-scale bases. He did not rule out that the agreement could pave the way for deploying the Oreshnik missile system on the island, with a range of up to 5,500 kilometers.