Putin Condemns U.S. Blockade of Cuba
Cuba is currently weathering one of its most severe energy crises in recent memory, as a sweeping US oil embargo and accompanying restrictions have drastically curtailed fuel imports, triggering widespread blackouts and acute fuel scarcity. Washington's pressure campaign has included threats of tariffs against any country that continues supplying oil to Havana.
Praising the enduring "special relations" between the two nations, Putin delivered a pointed defense of Cuba's sovereignty during Wednesday's talks.
"We have always supported Cuba in its fight for independence and for the right to develop in accordance with its own path. We have always supported the Cuban people," Putin said.
The Russian president went further, branding US economic restrictions on Cuba as "completely unacceptable," adding that Russia opposes them "clearly and unequivocally."
The Kremlin reported that Foreign Minister Parrilla expressed gratitude for Russia's "extraordinary and unwavering solidarity" and support amid the ongoing hardships.
The diplomatic show of unity follows an announcement last week by the Russian Embassy in Havana that Moscow was preparing a shipment of oil and petroleum products to help alleviate Cuba's fuel shortages. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova separately denounced renewed US pressure on Havana as a calculated act of "economic strangulation," while China has also publicly voiced support for Cuba's "national sovereignty and security."
The escalating tensions stem in part from a declaration last month by US President Donald Trump, who invoked a national emergency in relations with Cuba, accusing its socialist government of aligning with "hostile countries, transnational terrorist groups, and malign actors," and asserting that sustained economic pressure would compel Cuban leadership to "come to us and want to make a deal."
Trump additionally characterized Cuba's ties with Russia, China, Iran, Palestinian armed group Hamas, and Lebanese-based group Hezbollah as a direct threat to US national security.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has flatly rejected Trump's demands, signaling he remains open to dialogue "on the basis of equality and respect."
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