Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez visited Moscow this Wednesday (18) amid blackouts and serious fuel shortages on the island, a situation worsened by United States restrictions on oil exports to the country.
Rodríguez met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, and was scheduled to meet with President Vladimir Putin. During the talks, Lavrov called on Washington to “demonstrate common sense” and give up plans for a maritime blockade, after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba.
Lavrov stated that Moscow will continue to support Cuba in defending its sovereignty and security. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reinforced that Russia opposes the blockade of the island and intends to deepen bilateral relations, including “in difficult times”, with adequate assistance.
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Asked if sending fuel could harm the recent rapprochement with Washington, Peskov said the issues are not linked. Putin has praised Trump’s efforts to mediate an end to the war in Ukraine, and the two countries are discussing resuming economic ties.
Cuba lost important oil suppliers this year. Venezuela suspended sales in January after the US capture of Nicolás Maduro, and Mexico also halted shipments following Trump’s tariff threats. The lack of fuel has already led Russian companies to suspend tourist packages, after Havana announced that it will not refuel planes on the island.
