Obama registers his displeasure with Putin by imposing sanctions and striking an agreement with Cuba, a longtime friend and compatriot of Russia. Putin on the other hand sends a spy ship into the heart of Havana one day before high level talks begin to normalize relationships. 

Obama might as well be standing at the dock welcoming the Russian intelligence ship with a rye smile on his face. Puntin might as well be shirtless standing on the deck striking a pose like the hulk. Boys will be boys especially boys with toys!  

Yes, gamesmanship and brinkmanship have always been part of politics but isn't it time for our leaders to think about the thousands of lives that are affected by their behavior. Instead they think about themselves, their legacy and how they are perceived. We should demand better from our world leaders and not buy into their narcissistic values. 

Havana (AFP) - A Russian intelligence warship docked in Havana on Tuesday, a day before the start of historic US-Cuba talks aimed at normalizing diplomatic relations.

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.

US officials in Washington played down the presence of the Russian vessel, saying it was perfectly legal and not at all out of the ordinary.

"It's not unprecedented. It's not unusual. It's not alarming," a defense official told AFP.

The Vishnya or Meridian-class intelligence ship, which has a crew of around 200, went into service in the Black Sea in 1988 before it was transferred seven years later to the northern fleet, according to Russian media.

The vessel previously docked in Havana in February and March last year, staying there for a few days. Those visits were also unannounced.

The highest-level US delegation to visit Havana since 1980 arrives Wednesday for two days of talks aimed at normalizing diplomatic and immigration relations between the former Cold War foes.

The former Soviet Union was Cuba's main patron during the Cold War.