Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting at the Kremlin with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, deemed new US restrictions unacceptable. Cuba is grappling with a drastic energy and economic crisis, exacerbated by a blockade on oil supplies. Russia has pledged material assistance, while the situation on the island deteriorates daily, leading to a paralysis of public services and tourism.

Russian Support for Cuba

President Vladimir Putin condemned US sanctions and promised material support for Havana in the face of the energy crisis.

Collapse of Services in Havana

Due to a fuel shortage, less than half of the garbage trucks are operational in the capital, leading to waste accumulation on the streets.

Threat of Naval Deployment

Russia warns of sending a naval fleet to protect tankers from Western actions, which it calls piracy.

President Vladimir Putin received the head of Cuban diplomacy, Bruno Rodriguez, at the Kremlin to discuss the deepening crisis in the Caribbean. The Russian leader unequivocally condemned new US sanctions, calling them “unacceptable”. Moscow declares solidarity with Havana, which is suffering from a severe fuel shortage following the cutoff of supplies from Venezuela and tariff threats against Mexico. The situation on the island has become critical: in the capital, Havana, uncollected garbage is piling up on the streets because only 44 vehicles out of 106 garbage trucks remain operational. Additionally, the tourism sector, a pillar of the economy, is suffering from a lack of jet fuel, which has led to the emptying of famous beaches in Varadero. Simultaneously with diplomatic support, military warnings are being issued. Nikolai Patrushev, a close associate of Putin, suggested the possibility of using the Russian Navy to protect merchant ships from actions by Western countries, which he termed “piracy”. Russia fears the seizure of vessels belonging to the so-called shadow fleet. Tensions are also rising in relations with Ireland, where the defense minister is considering inspections of Russian tankers in its exclusive economic zone waters, which the Russian ambassador deemed a provocation. Soviet-Cuban relations tightened rapidly after the 1959 revolution, with tensions culminating in the 1962 missile crisis, which brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. The Cuban government owes Spanish companies over 300 million euros, highlighting the scale of the financial collapse. Although Sergei Lavrov assured systematic support, specific details of material aid remain limited. Experts indicate that Donald Trump, by blocking energy supplies, aims to completely collapse the regime in Havana. The island nation, cut off from Venezuelan oil after the ousting of Nicolas Maduro, must seek rescue in secret shipments, which reportedly arrive from Panama. „This is a special period, a time of new sanctions. You know what we think about this. Such a thing is unacceptable to us.” — Vladimir Putin Operational Garbage Trucks: 44, Non-operational Garbage Trucks: 62 300 million € — is Cuba's debt to Spanish companies

Mentioned People

  • Vladimir Putin — President of Russia, who declared support for Cuba and condemned US sanctions.
  • Bruno Rodriguez — Foreign Minister of Cuba, paying an official visit to Moscow.
  • Nikolai Patrushev — High-ranking Kremlin official, shipping advisor, threatening the use of the navy.