The president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Chancellor Andrei Sibyga presented a new strategic plan to reorganize Ukraine's diplomatic network, and one of the most significant announcements was the reduction of his country's diplomatic presence in Cuba.
During the Annual Conference of Heads of Diplomatic Missions of the country, held this Monday, July 21, in Kyiv, they announced the decision amid the war with Russia and the strengthening of their global alliances, as part of a resource realignment towards countries and regions deemed priorities for foreign policy, according to the site LB.
Opening of new embassies in Latin America
Similarly, Chancellor Sibyga confirmed that Ukraine will open four new embassies by the end of the year in the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, and Uruguay, as part of a strategy to strengthen ties with Latin America, reported Martí Noticias.
In addition, the consular system will be modernized with the opening of more than ten new consulates, including locations in Romania, Iraq, Italy, Germany, and Slovakia, as well as two in France and two in Poland. The consulates in Antalya (Turkey) and Gdansk (Poland) will be elevated to the status of general consulates.
Zelenskyy: “The diplomacy of power is to protect every Ukrainian life.”
In his speech before more than 100 ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, Zelenskyy emphasized that the main task of Ukrainian diplomacy is to "protect the lives of our people," noting that ambassadors must be leaders in their host countries "both in times of war and reconstruction."
The leader emphasized that Ukraine must take "offensive diplomatic actions," not only on the battlefield but also in the political arena, to ensure sustained international support.
Cuba, an ally of Moscow
Ukraine's decision to limit its presence in Cuba is not a coincidence. The Cuban regime has shown open support for Russia, maintaining political, military, and economic ties with the Kremlin.
Havana has supported Moscow in international forums and has strengthened its strategic ties amid the conflict in Ukraine, positioning itself as one of its main allies in Latin America.
The government of Miguel Díaz-Canel has held high-level meetings with Vladimir Putin, promoting cooperation agreements and supporting Russian narratives against the West.
In May, Ukrainian military intelligence revealed the alarming increase in the recruitment of Cuban citizens as mercenaries by the Russian army.
According to a report released by the intelligence project "I Want to Live" of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, more than 1,000 Cubans have already been identified as contract fighters with the Armed Forces of Russia, as cited by the media News Ukraine.
In March 2024, the Ukrainian government revealed at a press conference a Cuban prisoner of war and denounced the involvement of a significant number of mercenaries from the island fighting alongside Russian troops.
Frequently asked questions about the reduction of personnel in Ukraine's embassy in Cuba
Why has Ukraine decided to reduce its diplomatic staff in Cuba?
Ukraine has decided to reduce its diplomatic presence in Cuba due to Havana's alignment with Moscow. The Cuban government has openly supported Russia during the conflict in Ukraine, which has led Kiev to view Cuba as a less prioritized country in its foreign policy. Furthermore, Ukraine is focusing its resources on regions and countries it considers to be strategically more important.
What new embassies will Ukraine open in Latin America?
Ukraine will open new embassies in the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, and Uruguay before the end of the year. This expansion is part of a strategy to strengthen its diplomatic relations in Latin America, a region that is becoming increasingly significant for Ukrainian foreign policy.
How has Cuba's support for Russia influenced its relations with Ukraine?
Cuba's support for Russia has generated significant tensions in the relations between Cuba and Ukraine. Havana has maintained political, military, and economic ties with the Kremlin and has backed Moscow in international forums, prompting Ukraine to express its strong protest and reassess its diplomatic presence on the island.
What does Ukraine's "power diplomacy" strategy entail?
Ukraine's "power diplomacy" strategy aims to protect the lives of its citizens. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized that ambassadors must be proactive leaders in their host countries, both in times of war and reconstruction, to ensure sustained international support.
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