Russian President Vladimir Putin once again aligned with the Cuban government amid a time of heightened international tension and growing uncertainty for the island.
From the Kremlin, the leader stated that Moscow stands in solidarity with Cuba in its determination to defend its sovereignty and independence, a message that comes at a time when official rhetoric from Havana and Washington has escalated to a high level of confrontation.
During the ceremony for the presentation of credentials of new ambassadors, Putin stated that Russia has provided and will continue to provide assistance to its "Cuban friends," emphasizing that the relations between both countries are "truly strong and friendly," according to statements reported by the agency EFE.
In addressing the new Cuban ambassador in Moscow, Enrique Orta González, the head of the Kremlin stated that the Russian-Cuban alliance has proven its worth over time and is founded on the "sincere mutual sympathy" between both peoples.
The support is not limited to the political sphere. Putin noted that both governments are implementing joint projects in key sectors such as energy, metallurgy, transportation infrastructure, and medicine, in addition to expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges, a narrative that the Cuban regime often presents as a lifeline amid the deep economic crisis affecting the population.
In the same vein, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, expressed Moscow's "concern" over the increase in tensions and the belligerent rhetoric towards Cuba. The diplomat rejected what she described as language of blackmail and threats against the island, which she deemed unacceptable, according to EFE.
The message was reinforced by the channel Russia Today RT, which also quoted Putin emphasizing that Russia “has always provided and continues to provide assistance” to Cuba, recalling the long history of cooperation between Moscow and Havana.
According to that source, the Russian leader reiterated the importance of economic cooperation and the projects he deems essential for the Cuban economy.
These statements come in a context marked by the hardening of the Donald Trump administration's rhetoric towards Cuba, following the operation in Venezuela that culminated in the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
In this context, the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has reiterated that there are no political talks with Washington and has responded to the threats by stating that Cuba is prepared to defend itself "to the last drop of blood."
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