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The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed its "deep concern over the escalation of tensions surrounding Cuba and the growing external pressure on the island" in an official statement released by its embassy in Havana, amid a setting characterized by geopolitical tensions and a severe energy crisis in the country.
In the statement, Moscow denounces that the current situation is a result of an "artificially created atmosphere of confrontation", and reaffirms its political stance by declaring its "unwavering solidarity with the Government and the brotherly Cuban people."
The note emphasizes the rejection of any actions that undermine national sovereignty, while also condemning "the attempts of blunt interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state," as well as "intimidations and the implementation of illegal unilateral restrictive measures."
Although the statement does not directly mention the United States, the content suggests that the criticisms are aimed at the current Washington policy towards the island, particularly under the administration of Donald Trump.
Russia attributes the worsening of the crisis in Cuba to external factors, stating that it is facing “unprecedented challenges” as a direct consequence of the “long-standing commercial, economic, and financial embargo, and more recently, the energy embargo imposed by the U.S.”
In that context, the statement employs a rhetoric of political resistance by asserting that "the heroic Cuban people [...] have demonstrated their loyalty to the ideals of freedom, independence, and social justice," and that they will know how to "defend the inalienable right to sovereignly choose their path of development."
The Russian Foreign Ministry also made clear its willingness to continue supporting Havana.
"PFor our part, we provide and will continue to provide Cuba with the necessary support, including material support,” they concluded, without offering any further details."
The Kremlin insists on its support: "constant contacts" and willingness to help
Meanwhile, the Kremlin spokesperson, Dimitri Peskov, reinforced that message in statements reported by the agency Interfax.
The official emphasized that Russia maintains "constant contacts with our Cuban friends" to discuss possible avenues of cooperation in light of the crisis facing the island.
Peskov described the situation in Cuba as especially complex, stating that it is "an independent and sovereign nation facing great economic hardships due to a suffocating embargo."
As he explained, the difficulties are not only due to decades of sanctions but also relate to more recent issues connected to energy supply.
The spokesperson warned that "significant humanitarian problems are emerging" and reiterated that "from Russia, we are willing to provide all possible assistance, of course."
In the same vein, he emphasized that Moscow is actively working with Havana: “we are addressing all these issues with our Cuban counterparts.”
Russian authorities believe that the crisis has intensified due to the recent energy restrictions, which have resulted in prolonged blackouts and a deterioration of living conditions on the island.
Threats from Washington and an increasingly tense scenario
Moscow's statements come in response to a new episode of tension with the United States.
President Donald Trump issued threats against the Cuban government, including the controversial statement: “It will be an honor to take Cuba,” amid increasing diplomatic and economic pressure.
According to Interfax, the Kremlin chose not to directly comment on those statements, although it made it clear that they do not change its position regarding Cuba.
From Moscow, there is a insistence on respecting the sovereignty of the island and a willingness to maintain bilateral cooperation despite external threats.
Despite the emphasis from both the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Kremlin spokesperson on their willingness to help, the fact remains that, beyond the statements, Moscow has not provided any explicit or visible support to the island in recent months.
Unlike other allies such as Mexico, which has indeed provided humanitarian aid shipments – though not fuel – Russian support remains, for the time being, in the political and rhetorical realm, with no concrete measures announced to alleviate the current energy and humanitarian crisis in Cuba.
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