Russian Military Jet Causes Exasperation in DC

An enormous Russian cargo jet carrying military hardware and supplies landed in Cuba. This same jet had been noticed by US intelligence services traveling to Caracas prior to the US operation in Venezuela. Moscow believes that Washington is planning another operation against Cuba, and is trying not to lose more influence in the Western hemisphere. Behind doors in DC, sources have told me that there is growing concern that the Russians are sending not only air defense systems, but are desperately trying to keep Cuba within its orbit.

The current situation is eerily reminiscent of 1962, when the Soviet Union supplied nuclear missiles to Cuba capable of offensively attacking the United States. That situation led to the Cuban Missile Crisis, which was the closest that the United States and Soviet Union were to a nuclear war. This parallel is not lost on officials in DC. They are well aware of Moscow’s actions and are very concerned about exactly what Moscow has sent to Havana.

Over the past several years, Russian and Chinese influence has continued to grow in the Western hemisphere, finding fertile ground in frustration with Washington over its lack of interest in its own backyard. During the second Trump administration, Washington is determined to ensure that the homeland is protected not only domestically, but that its own neighborhood is protected as well. President Trump has trumpeted the Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, and has caused great power competition to enter a new phase.

This is just the beginning of the story, and I will continue to share more thoughts as the situation develops.