The Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, recently landed in Moscow for an official trip, with a crucial meeting scheduled with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This comes at a time when Cuba is grappling with a severe energy crisis.
The Kremlin has confirmed that this pivotal meeting will take place on Wednesday. Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitri Peskov emphasized the significance of this discussion, especially given the challenges faced by the Cuban nation.
“This meeting holds special importance in light of the tough times our friendly and sister nation, Cuba, is experiencing,” Peskov stated during his daily press call, according to EFE news agency.
Peskov reiterated Moscow's long-standing opposition to U.S. sanctions, saying, “Russia has consistently spoken out against the island's blockade, along with many other countries worldwide.” He added, “We value our relationship with Cuba highly and intend to continue developing it, providing the necessary support to our friends during these challenging times.”
Unannounced Visit and Official Silence
Rodríguez's arrival in Moscow was not previously announced by Cuban authorities, nor has it been covered by official Cuban media. As of the article's publication, neither the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) nor President Miguel Díaz-Canel or Rodríguez's official social media accounts have mentioned his presence in Russia, despite his busy schedule of meetings.
MINREX's most recent social media posts, until this note, were congratulatory messages to Muslims in Cuba and worldwide for the start of Ramadan on February 18. Only the MINREX website has shared a brief press release about Rodríguez's initial meetings in Moscow.
The discreet manner in which the Cuban government has handled this visit is noteworthy, particularly given the high-level nature of the meeting with the Russian leader amid Cuba's sensitive economic and geopolitical situation.
Meeting at the State Duma
Before meeting Putin, Rodríguez began his Moscow agenda with a visit to the State Duma, Russia's Federal Assembly's lower house. As a special envoy from the Cuban government, he was welcomed by Ivan Melnikov, the first vice-chairman of the parliamentary body.
According to subsequent reports by MINREX, the parties exchanged views on “the excellent state of bilateral ties” and the high level of interparliamentary cooperation between Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power and the Russian Duma. Rodríguez expressed gratitude for Russia's support amid Cuba's economic woes, which Havana attributes to the U.S.'s intensified policies.
Melnikov conveyed greetings to General Raúl Castro, President Díaz-Canel, and Esteban Lazo, head of the Cuban Parliament.
Russia's Stance on Ukraine Negotiations
On the same day, Peskov dismissed any linkage between strengthening cooperation with Cuba and ongoing Ukraine negotiations, which include U.S. mediation and continue in Geneva. “We do not see these as related issues,” he remarked, referencing the tariff warnings issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump at the end of January.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova echoed political support for Havana. “We express our unwavering solidarity with Havana against unprecedented external pressures, both economically and coercively,” she said in a press briefing.
Zakharova reminded the audience that Cuba has endured nearly seventy years under an “illegitimate, inhumane, economic, commercial, and financial blockade by the United States,” adding that pressure intensified following U.S. military actions in Venezuela on January 3.
Russian media highlighted that the Putin-Rodríguez meeting is part of a broader Kremlin strategy to solidify alliances outside the Western axis. “This meeting is particularly significant given the challenging period faced by our friend and brother nation,” Peskov reiterated.
Zakharova described Cuba as a “close friend and strategic partner of Russia,” underscoring nearly seven decades of mutual respect and support.
Energy and Geopolitical Context
The backdrop of the meeting between Putin and Rodríguez is primarily about energy, but it is also political. Cuba is currently experiencing one of its most severe crises in electricity generation and fuel supply, marked by prolonged blackouts and partial shutdowns of productive sectors.
The shortage has affected foreign companies in the country and even forced Russian airlines to suspend flights to Havana, repatriating thousands of tourists due to a lack of fuel.
In this scenario, Moscow announced it is in talks with Cuban authorities and plans to supply oil to the Cuban regime, something not done since sending 100,000 tons of crude in February 2025.
The potential resumption of these shipments could provide a lifeline for the regime amid an energy crisis that has necessitated emergency plans with minimal services in hospitals, teleworking in state offices, and extreme rationing at gas stations.
The meeting in the Kremlin, described by Moscow as “of special relevance,” is poised to be the highlight of Rodríguez's agenda in Russia and a testament to the strategic importance both parties place on their bilateral relationship amid the international backdrop of Moscow-Western confrontation.
Key Questions About Cuba-Russia Relations
Why is Bruno Rodríguez's visit to Russia significant?
The visit is crucial as it involves discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin amidst Cuba's severe energy crisis. Strengthening ties with Russia could help Cuba navigate its current economic challenges.
How has Russia supported Cuba against U.S. policies?
Russia has consistently opposed U.S. sanctions against Cuba and has expressed solidarity in face of economic and coercive pressures from the U.S., reinforcing its support in international forums.
What are the implications of the potential oil supply from Russia to Cuba?
A renewed oil supply from Russia could alleviate Cuba's energy shortages, supporting the regime during a period of significant fuel scarcity and economic distress.