In a show of force and a strong message to the United States, a fleet of Russian warships has entered Cuban waters and is set to hold military drills in the Caribbean. This development is believed to be a direct response to President Biden's approval for Ukrainian forces to strike certain targets within Russia using U.S. weaponry.

According to Rebekah Koffler, strategic intelligence analyst and author of "Putin's Playbook," this deployment serves as a warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Washington that "we can touch you." Koffler suggests that Putin's intention is to be in close proximity to the U.S. homeland, particularly during the escalating crisis between Russia and Ukraine, given Biden's authorization for strikes.

Amidst these tensions, three Russian warships arrived at Cuba's Havana Bay on Wednesday, greeted by a 21-cannon salute. It is expected that a nuclear-powered submarine, the Kazan, will follow suit, although Russia has stated that the submarine is not carrying nuclear weapons.

The arrival of these warships comes on the heels of Putin's suggestion that he may authorize strikes on the U.S. via proxy countries, claiming that the U.S. is doing the same in Ukraine. Benjamin Gedan, director of the Latin America program at the Wilson Center think tank, notes that this deployment serves as a reminder to Washington of the consequences of meddling in Russia's "near abroad" and reaffirms Moscow's support for U.S. antagonists in the region, such as Cuba and Venezuela.

Additionally, Putin had recently made a direct threat to supply weapons to neighboring countries of the U.S., arguing that if the U.S. can supply weapons to Ukraine to launch strikes on Russian territory, Russia should have the right to do the same in regions where such weapons could be utilized against countries that pose a threat to Russia.

President Biden's approval of Ukraine's use of American missiles to strike targets in Russia, along with the controversial Azov Battalion's access to U.S.-provided weaponry, has further intensified the conflict between Ukraine and Russian forces. Despite Ukraine's attempts at counterattacks, breakthroughs have remained elusive, resulting in a devastating battle of attrition.

As tensions continue to escalate, the presence of Russian warships in Cuban waters serves as a clear demonstration of Russia's resolve and willingness to protect its interests. The situation remains highly delicate, with the potential for further escalation hanging in the balance.

It remains to be seen how the Biden administration will respond to this show of force and the subsequent implications for the ongoing Ukraine-Russia crisis.