Just as United States and Cuba relations begin to thaw, a Cold War-era Russian spy ship docked in Old Havana. The spy ship is staffed with 200 sailors and is loaded from bow to stern with radar and electronic surveillance antennae.
The Russians said that the visit has been scheduled for months. The Cuban people, who once had a three-decade dependence upon the Soviets, said the ship's presence is not something to be alarmed by.
But in April 2014, two Russian intelligence-gathering ships were detected of operating off the U.S. East Coast and near the Gulf of Mexico. The ships are designed for signals and communications intelligence gathering through an array of ship-borne sensors. It also is equipped with two 30-millimeter guns and anti-aircraft missiles. These ships have also docked in Havana in the past.
ABC News' Jim Avila tried to board the ship when the Russian opened it up to children of Russian diplomats, but was quickly turned away.
"One day, when we have normal relations with the United States, we could have an American ship visiting," one Cuban said.
