The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel visited the Moskvich automobile factory in Moscow this Thursday, accompanied by the mayor of the Russian capital, Serguéi Sobyanin. During the tour, the leader praised the durability and quality of these vehicles, many of which are still on the streets of Cuba, decades after their manufacture.
The visit took place within the framework of his official trip to Russia, made at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, and coincides with the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War.
As part of this meeting, Sobyanin announced the donation of ten Moskvich 6 cars to Cuba, intended for social services in the city of Havana.
Díaz-Canel highlighted the "great quality and strength" of the Moskvich, vehicles that have been part of the Cuban automotive fleet since the Soviet era
"This brand is well-known in Cuba, and many of them are still operational thanks to the ingenuity of Cuban mechanics," stated the president, as reported by the Presidency of Cuba on the social media platform X.
The factory visited by the Cuban leader is the oldest of the Moskvich brand and has been completely renovated and modernized.
During the tour, Díaz-Canel was able to assess the quality of the taxis that will soon be part of the fleet operating in Cuba, as a result of recently signed bilateral agreements.
According to these agreements, the first phase involves the shipment of 50 Moskvich vehicles to Cuba, 25 of the Moskvich 3 model and 25 of the Moskvich 3e model, the latter being electric.
Díaz-Canel's visit is part of a series of bilateral agreements between Cuba and Russia to modernize transportation on the island.
In November 2024, the Deputy Mayor for Transport and Industry of Moscow, Maxim Liksutov, and the Minister of Transport of Cuba, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, signed a memorandum for the delivery of 50 Moskvich vehicles aimed at strengthening taxi services in Havana and Varadero.
Additionally, in April 2025, Russia and Cuba signed new agreements to enhance collaboration in transportation, specifically regarding the renewal of the taxi fleet on the island.
These agreements include not only the delivery of more Moskvich vehicles but also technical support for their maintenance and the possibility of establishing a post-sale service system and supply of spare parts.
Last Wednesday, Díaz-Canel was received in the Kremlin by Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a meeting that reaffirmed the historical and strategic ties between Havana and Moscow. According to official Russian media, both leaders discussed issues related to economic, energy, technological, and military cooperation.
Putin expressed his support for Cuba in the face of international sanctions and emphasized that Russia will continue to collaborate with the island in various areas. For his part, Díaz-Canel thanked Putin for the ongoing support and highlighted that Russia is a strategic partner for the development of Cuba.
While the agreements for the renewal of the taxi fleet in Cuba represent a moderate solution to the transportation crisis on the island, they also highlight an increasing reliance of Havana on Moscow. Instead of diversifying its economic and commercial relationships, the Cuban government has deepened its alliance with Russia, which, for some critics, reinforces the technological and economic dependence of the Caribbean country.
The choice of Moskvich vehicles as part of the modernization of transportation in Cuba raises questions about the sustainability of this strategy in the long term. The country's ability to keep these vehicles operational will depend not only on the supply of spare parts from Russia but also on Moscow's willingness to continue supporting Havana amid international sanctions and the complex global economic situation.
Frequently asked questions about Díaz-Canel's visit to Russia and the agreements with Moskvich
How many Moskvich vehicles will be sent to Cuba according to recent agreements?
Russia will send a total of 50 Moskvich vehicles to Cuba, divided into 25 Moskvich 3 and 25 electric Moskvich 3e, as part of bilateral agreements to modernize the taxi fleet on the island.
What role does Russia play in the modernization of transportation in Cuba?
Russia has agreed not only to send Moskvich vehicles but also to provide technical support for their maintenance and to consider establishing a after-sales service system and supply of spare parts. These agreements aim to alleviate the transportation crisis on the island, worsened by the shortage of resources and spare parts.
What do relations with Russia mean for Cuba in the current context?
Relations with Russia represent a strategic dependency for Cuba, given the economic, energy, and military support that Moscow provides to Havana. However, this relationship reinforces Cuba's economic and technological dependency on Russia, rather than diversifying its international allies.
How does Díaz-Canel's visit to Russia fit within the context of international politics?
The visit of Díaz-Canel coincides with a series of strategic bilateral agreements amidst international sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Havana seeks support from Moscow in the face of its internal crisis, while reaffirming its political alignment with the Kremlin, despite the international isolation that Russia is facing.
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