What’s Behind the Cuban Spy’s Visit to Moscow After Being Released in a Prisoner Exchange?
On 17 December 2014, Cuba’s intelligence agents released American Alan Gross, who spent five years in a Cuban prison for his role in a scheme to bring internet access to the island. In exchange, Washington freed three convicted Cuban spies who had been imprisoned in the United States.
After being released, one of the Cuban spies visited Moscow. A Cuban spy Rene Gonzalez who had been released back in 2011 after serving 14 years in the United States for spying on anti-Castro groups, visited Moscow on the 10th anniversary of the death of his father.
The purpose of the visit
Rene Gonzalez has not made public why he visited Moscow. However, it is likely that he met with Russian intelligence agents to discuss Cuba-Russia relations. Relations with Russian have been rocky in recent years since Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and any potential increase in cooperation and assistance would be of value for Cuba.
The possibility of renewed espionage
Although Rene Gonzalez stated that he wasn’t there for anything related to espionage, some experts suggest it is highly possible. Cuba has been a historically close ally of Russia, with Russia having a stronghold on Cuba during the cold war. Moreover, with the improved relations between the U.S. and Cuba, it is likely that Cuba will continue to leverage its relationship with Russia as a tool in its ongoing negotiations with the United States.
Moscow’s role in the region
Beyond its historical relationship with Cuba, Russia has been expanding its sphere of influence in the region in recent years. Cooperation from Cuba provides an integral piece of the puzzle that the Russians need. Moscow is interested in expanding trade, finding new arms market, and possibly setting up military bases in the region.
Conclusion
Rene Gonzalez’s visit to Moscow following his release from a US prison exchange raises questions about the future regional strategy of both Cuba and Russia. However, with both Cuba and Russia shifting their focus to the development of trade relations and increased cooperation, many are hopeful that renewed cooperation could benefit the region. #CubaRussiaRelations #EspionagePossibility #RussiaSphereOfInfluence #USCubaRelations #RegionalStrategy #AlanGrossRelease
Summary: In this article, we explore the potential implications of a Cuban spy Rene Gonzalez visiting Moscow following his release from a US prison exchange. Russia and Cuba have a long-standing relationship, and renewed cooperation can benefit the region. However, the possibility of espionage cannot be entirely ruled out. #NEWS