The significance of the Cuban Missile Crisis for U.S.-Soviet relations lies in its demonstration of the precarious nature of Cold War tensions. In October 1962, the discovery of Soviet missile installations in Cuba brought the two superpowers to the brink of nuclear war. The crisis underscored the dangers of miscommunication and military escalation. Ultimately, it led to a pivotal confrontation that was resolved through diplomatic negotiations, with the U.S. agreeing to withdraw missiles from Turkey in exchange for the Soviet withdrawal from Cuba. The resolution fostered a mutual understanding, resulting in enhanced communication channels, such as the Washington-Moscow hotline, and a subsequent thaw in Cold War hostilities.