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The Russian government raised its tone this Wednesday against Washington, demanding "common sense" and an end to the oil blockade that exacerbates the already critical energy crisis in Cuba.
From Moscow, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described as "unacceptable" any attempt to impose a naval blockade on the island and categorically rejected the U.S. accusations that Russian-Cuban cooperation represents a threat to the United States.
The statements were made during the official visit to Russia by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, at a time when Cuba is facing prolonged blackouts and a severe fuel shortage, exacerbated by restrictions on importing crude oil.
During the bilateral meeting, Lavrov stated that, “together with the majority of the members of the international community,” Russia urges the United States to “show common sense, adopt a responsible approach, and abandon plans for a naval blockade.”
Lavrov emphasized that Russia will continue to support the island "consistently" in the protection of its "sovereignty and security."
Bruno Rodríguez, for his part, denounced the tightening of the embargo, and argued that Cuba will continue to "steadfastly advance in the defense of its independence and sovereignty."
However, he left the door open for dialogue with Washington by stating that the country "will always be ready for respectful dialogue on equal terms with any country."
Russian support for Cuba, but will there be an oil shipment?
Russian support comes as Cuba faces one of its worst energy crises in decades.
The difficulties in importing oil are affecting the operation of power plants and refineries, with direct consequences for the daily lives of millions of Cubans, who are subjected to frequent blackouts and partial stoppages of economic activity.
On his part, the spokesman for the Kremlin, Dmitri Peskov, reiterated that "Russia, like many other countries, has consistently spoken out against the blockade of the island."
He also emphasized that Moscow deeply values its relationship with Havana: “We have our relations with Cuba and we value these relationships highly.
"And we intend to continue developing them, of course, in difficult times, providing the appropriate assistance to our friends."
When asked whether a potential shipment of Russian fuel could affect the recent rapprochement between Moscow and Washington, Peskov replied that "we do not believe these matters are related."
At the same time, Russian media reported that Moscow is considering sending a humanitarian shipment of fuel to Havana in the near future.
The Russian ambassador to Cuba, Viktor Koronelli, indicated that the Kremlin is reviewing the details to organize this assistance, although he did not specify dates or volumes.
The backdrop of this diplomatic tension is marked by warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump about imposing tariffs on any country that sells oil to Cuba.
After those threats, Mexico suspended shipments in January, and Venezuela -one of the island's main historical oil suppliers- also stopped selling oil to Havana.
The fuel crisis has even had repercussions in the tourism sector.
Russian agencies ceased selling packages to Cuba after the Cuban government announced that it would not guarantee fuel supply for planes landing on the island.
While Moscow promises political support and potential energy assistance, the Cuban population continues to face the immediate effects of scarcity: blackouts, production interruptions, and worsening living conditions, in a scenario where the geopolitical dispute between powers once again places the island at the center of tension.
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