Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov, the grandson of Fidel Castro and a Cuban scientific researcher, addressed the Sovintern conference on "21st Century Socialism" in Moscow this past Sunday. He defended Cuba's commitment to science and the future, invoking his grandfather's legacy amidst the island's worst energy crisis in decades.
Speaking before an audience of over 300 delegates from 70 countries, Castro Smirnov led the Spanish-language contributions of the Latin American panel. He drew a direct line between fuel shortages and the collapse of basic services in Cuba.
"We genuinely need fuel now to keep the country's economy running. It's not just for power generation but also for hospitals, ambulances, schools, universities, and our research centers," he stated.
The dictator's grandson referenced Fidel Castro's scientific legacy to justify the regime's stance on the crisis: "While they plan aggression, we plan vaccines and continue to do science under challenging conditions, driven by a commitment to the future as Fidel taught us."
Castro Smirnov also noted that his presence in Moscow aimed to "strengthen scientific ties between our peoples," referring to Cuba and Russia.
His speech included a direct denunciation of the U.S. administration for pressures that have worsened oil shortages on the island: "The Trump administration and Marco Rubio have threatened the world with sanctions if they sell us oil. What justifies this collective punishment?"
The context behind these remarks is devastating for the Cuban people. Following Nicolás Maduro's capture on January 3, Venezuela halted its oil shipments, which accounted for 80% to 90% of Cuba's imports. Mexico also ceased its supplies on January 27. Cuba requires between 90,000 and 110,000 barrels daily, but only produces 40,000, resulting in power outages lasting up to 20 to 40 consecutive hours in vast areas of the country.
Russia has responded with emergency shipments. The tanker Anatoly Kolodkin arrived on March 31 with 730,000 barrels, and the vessel Universal is en route to the Caribbean, expected to arrive this Tuesday with 251,000 barrels of diesel. Russian oil has offered a reprieve to Cuba's electrical system, though insufficient to resolve its structural deficit.
Castro Smirnov expressed explicit gratitude for this support: "In these trying times for the Cuban people, we have the solidarity and support of the Russian people and government, for which we are deeply thankful."
This is not the first time Fidel's grandson has appeared in international forums defending the regime. In September 2025, he reemerged publicly with the assertion that "Cuba remains a medical powerhouse," and in August of that year, he was seen in Chile with an orthopedic boot representing the island at another international forum.
The speech is part of the Year of the Centenary of Fidel Castro, officially proclaimed by Cuba for 2026, with celebrations planned from August 13 to December 4.
Castro Smirnov concluded his address with a promise of resistance that encapsulates the regime's stance on the crisis: "In Cuba, we will continue resisting, continue fighting, confident that sooner rather than later, we will achieve victory."
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis and International Relations
What is causing the energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba's energy crisis is primarily due to fuel shortages, exacerbated by the suspension of oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico. The island's insufficient domestic production and international sanctions have further strained its energy supply.
How has Russia assisted Cuba during this crisis?
Russia has provided emergency oil shipments to Cuba, delivering significant quantities of fuel, such as the 730,000 barrels brought by the tanker Anatoly Kolodkin, to help alleviate the country's energy deficits.
Why did Castro Smirnov criticize the U.S. administration?
Castro Smirnov criticized the U.S. administration for imposing sanctions that have deterred other countries from selling oil to Cuba, which he claims has worsened the island's energy shortages.