In a throwback to the Cold War, a Russian spy ship caused a stir after unexpectedly docking in Havana on the eve of historic talks between the U.S. and Cuba. There was nothing stealthy about the arrival of the Viktor Leonov CCB-175, which was moored to a pier in Old Havana where cruise ships often dock. But the visit was not officially announced by Cuban authorities. The timing also raised eyebrows as it came on Tuesday, the eve of historic U.S-Cuba talks aimed at normalising diplomatic relations. U.S. officials in Washington played down the presence of the Russian vessel, saying it was perfectly legal and not at all out of the ordinary.
@highlight
Viktor Leonov moors up in Old Havana pier during key diplomatic talks
@highlight
U.S. officials play down arrival saying it was 'not unusual, not alarming'
Senior U.S. officials say they hope @placeholder will agree to reopen embassies and appoint ambassadors in each other's capitals in coming months.
Cuba complained the U.S. law promotes dangerous illegal immigration and protested against a separate @placeholder program that encourages Cuban doctors to defect, calling it a 'reprehensible brain drain practice.'