On Thursday, Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a formal statement accusing the United States of orchestrating a military intervention against Cuba. The Ministry described the situation as a "new escalation of tensions" and drew a direct parallel to the military operation that led to Nicolás Maduro's capture in Venezuela earlier this year.
The statement, released by the Russian Embassy in Cuba, pointed to recent charges by the U.S. Department of Justice against Raúl Castro. These charges, announced on May 19, relate to the downing of two planes belonging to the Brothers to the Rescue organization on February 24, 1996, which resulted in the deaths of four Cuban Americans.
Moscow dismissed these charges as "fabricated," asserting they are part of Washington's strategy to justify the use of force: "Thirty years after the incident, it is being used to create a veneer of legitimacy for unprecedented pressure on Cuba's leadership, with the apparent aim of regime change and state control."
The declaration specifically highlighted the deployment of U.S. naval forces as a sign of military threat: "Actions appear aimed at showcasing the potential for an armed intervention in Cuba. Comparisons to the January events in Venezuela are unavoidable."
The USS Nimitz's arrival in the Caribbean was confirmed by the Miami Herald on Thursday, amidst the mounting pressure on the island.
Russian Support for Cuba Amid U.S. Sanctions
Russia's Foreign Ministry also rejected Washington's economic sanctions and reiterated its support for the Cuban regime: "We firmly oppose unilateral restrictive measures aimed at economically strangling the Isle of Freedom."
Simultaneously, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Russia is in contact with Cuba "on all matters of mutual interest." She dismissed reports by Axios regarding Cuba's alleged acquisition of over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran as "fiction" within the context of an "information war."
Russia's backing of Cuba is legally based on a military cooperation agreement signed in March 2025 and ratified by Putin as law on October 15, 2025.
Escalation Following Charges Against Raúl Castro
The tensions heightened this week following the declassification on May 20 of formal accusations against Raúl Castro. These charges include conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens and four counts of homicide for the deaths of Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales.
Trump warned on Wednesday that the U.S. will not tolerate Cuba as a state harboring hostile operations just 90 miles from its shores. Meanwhile, the Cuban regime labeled the charges against Raúl Castro as "shameless" and threatened "fierce resistance" to any aggression.
Analysts suggest that Moscow, embroiled in the Ukraine conflict, can offer Cuba only political support, lacking the economic or military rescue capabilities reminiscent of the Soviet era.
Key Questions on U.S.-Cuba Tensions
What prompted Russia to accuse the U.S. of planning an intervention in Cuba?
Russia's accusation followed the U.S. Department of Justice's charges against Raúl Castro for the 1996 downing of planes, which Russia claims are used to justify potential military action against Cuba.
How has Russia responded to U.S. sanctions on Cuba?
Russia has firmly rejected Washington's sanctions, emphasizing its ongoing support for the Cuban regime and opposing measures intended to economically isolate Cuba.
What is the significance of the USS Nimitz's presence in the Caribbean?
The presence of the USS Nimitz in the Caribbean is seen as a demonstration of U.S. military capability and a potential signal of readiness for intervention, escalating tensions between the U.S. and Cuba.