Russian President Vladimir Putin assured Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez that Moscow will join Havana in commemorating the 100th anniversary of dictator Fidel Castro's birth this year. This declaration underscores the political alliance between the two governments amidst renewed tensions with the United States.
"Indeed, this year we will celebrate Fidel Castro's centenary, and we will do it together," Putin stated during their meeting at the Kremlin. This was reported by the official Periódico Victoria from the Isle of Youth.
The brief yet symbolic statement emerged shortly after the Cuban foreign minister's visit to Moscow, a time marked by new sanctions from the Trump administration and Cuba's severe economic and energy crisis.
During the discussion, Putin reiterated Russia's historical support for the Cuban regime. "We have always stood by Cuba in its fight for independence, for the right to choose its development path, and we have consistently supported the Cuban people," he declared. He also deemed the new sanctions imposed by Washington as "unacceptable" and emphasized that Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains an "open, clear, and unequivocal" stance.
The Russian leader also requested Rodríguez to convey "best wishes" to both Miguel Díaz-Canel and General Raúl Castro, reinforcing Moscow's political recognition of Cuba's historical leadership.
The Cuban foreign minister's visit occurred amidst a critical situation on the island, characterized by prolonged power outages, fuel shortages, and severe restrictions on transportation and productive activities.
Just a day after their meeting, reports emerged that the tanker Sea Horse is headed to Havana with nearly 200,000 barrels of Russian diesel, according to data cited by Bloomberg and maritime intelligence firm Kpler Ltd. The cargo, transferred off the coast of Cyprus, challenges the energy blockade enforced by Washington.
Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring a "national emergency" in response to what Washington views as a security threat, intensifying restrictions and announcing tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba.
In this geopolitical context, the mention of Fidel Castro's centenary is more than a diplomatic gesture. It symbolizes the strengthening of the alliance between Moscow and Havana at a time when the Cuban regime seeks external support to withstand economic and political pressure.
As the Kremlin reaffirms its historical support and celebrates the legacy of the deceased leader, Cubans face a daily crisis that cannot be resolved through declarations or shared anniversaries.
Cuba-Russia Relations and Current Challenges
What was the main purpose of Bruno Rodríguez's visit to Moscow?
Bruno Rodríguez's visit aimed to strengthen political ties with Russia amidst Cuba's economic crisis and increased U.S. sanctions.
How did Putin describe the new U.S. sanctions against Cuba?
Putin described the new U.S. sanctions against Cuba as "unacceptable" and reiterated Russia's clear and unequivocal support for Cuba.
What does the tanker Sea Horse signify in the context of U.S.-Cuba relations?
The tanker Sea Horse, carrying Russian diesel to Cuba, represents a challenge to the energy blockade imposed by the U.S. on Cuba.