Methinks this is a definite message-sending gesture

Just as post-America begins to act on its new policy of patty-cake with Stalinists, another major player on the world stage weighs in:

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.

"US officials" are downplaying the significance of this, calling it "not unusual."  Okay.  But how about we consider it in the context of the unprecedented Russian air patrols of the Gulf?