Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez at the Kremlin to discuss bilateral relations and the escalating economic pressure on the island nation. Operative Information Center-OMM reports that during the meeting, the Russian leader emphasized that the new sanctions imposed against the island are unacceptable and counterproductive to international stability.
President Putin noted that Russia has always stood by Cuba, stating that Moscow's position on this matter remains "clear and unambiguous." In response to the current situation, the Russian side announced it would provide financial and technical assistance to Havana to help mitigate severe oil shortages. Additionally, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called on the United States to refrain from a full naval blockade, suggesting that the issues be resolved through diplomatic negotiations rather than unilateral pressure.
US President Donald Trump defended the restrictions, characterizing Cuba as a "failed state" and urging the Havana leadership to reach an agreement with Washington. Meanwhile, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel expressed readiness for dialogue, though he maintained that such talks must be based on equality and respect for national sovereignty. The trade embargo against Cuba has been in place since 1960, and the situation has reached a critical point recently as fuel supplies from regional partners like Venezuela and Mexico have faced significant disruptions under external pressure.
