DHAKA: Russian president Vladimir Putin has denied reports that he made a deal with Cuba to reopen an electronic listening post on the Caribbean island.

The Lourdes base near Havana was used by the Soviets to spy on the US during the Cold War.

Speaking at the Brics summit in Brazil, Putin said Russia could ‘meet its defence needs without this component’, reports the BBC.

Russia’s Kommersant newspaper had earlier reported that Russia and Cuba had agreed to reopen the spy facility.

Putin closed the base in 2001, citing concerns over its cost.

The paper said the deal to make the base operational again had been reached during Putin’s visit to Cuba last week.

A Russian security source quoted by media had confirmed the Kommersant report, saying ‘a framework agreement’ had been agreed.

BDST: 1611 HRS, JUL 17, 2014