Russia and China rejected the arrest warrant issued in Florida against Raúl Castro, but Moscow went further than just defending the former Cuban leader: it warned that a potential social outbreak on the island could lead to massive migration towards neighboring countries and unleash a regional crisis.
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed on Tuesday its "categorical rejection" of the court order and described the accusations against Castro, who is 95 years old, as "unfounded and fabricated," attributing them to a supposed vendetta from the anti-Castro exile community in Miami, according to The Moscow Times.
The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that an escalation of tensions could lead to social unrest in Cuba and trigger a massive migration to countries in the region, with consequences for their stability.
The Russian warning comes amid a deep economic and energy crisis in Cuba. According to the Electric Union (UNE), on Wednesday, October 21, the country faced a projected deficit of 1,933 megawatts, with an availability of only 1,017 MW against an estimated demand of 2,950 MW during peak consumption hours.
The situation is worsened by the shortage of fuel and the deterioration of the thermoelectric plants, while the official year-on-year inflation reached 28.44% in September, further increasing the cost of living for the population. Additionally, there are problems with water supply, exacerbated by the constant blackouts.
The Russian government also reiterated its support for Havana and wished Raul Castro, whom it described as a "friend of Russia," health and strength.
China criticizes the arrest warrant against Raúl Castro
A day later, the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, publicly defended the former Cuban leader, whom she described as a revolutionary leader of "great international prestige."
"China opposes the abuse of judicial measures to pressure Cuba," the official stated during her press conference on Wednesday.
Beijing reaffirmed its support for Cuban sovereignty and called on the United States to end the embargo and other pressure measures against the island.
The arrest warrant that sparked the reactions
The support comes after Florida's Attorney General, James Uthmeier, announced on Monday a state arrest warrant against Raúl Castro for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
The case is related to the shooting down of two planes from Hermanos al Rescate on February 24, 1996, when Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales lost their lives.
The order, signed by Judge Ariana Fajardo Orshan, is independent of the federal charges filed in May against Castro and five other former Cuban military officials. The charges remain pending judicial resolution.
The Cuban government also rejected the arrest warrant, which Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez called "an infamous and futile act."
The reactions from Moscow and Beijing come just days before the annual vote in the UN General Assembly regarding the U.S. embargo on Cuba, scheduled for October 27 and 28. In 2025, the resolution presented by Havana received 165 votes in favor, seven against, and 12 abstentions.
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