Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is scheduled to hold talks in Moscow with his Cuban counterpart later on Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, reflecting continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries amid strained relations with the West.
The ministry said the discussions will take place against the backdrop of what Russia has described as an “illegitimate” U.S. blockade against Cuba, a long-standing point of contention between Havana and Washington that Moscow has publicly criticised. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasised that Moscow continues to provide support to Cuba in the face of these sanctions and geopolitical pressure.
Relations between Russia and Cuba date back to the Cold War era, and both nations have maintained diplomatic and economic ties despite global shifts in alliances and policy. In recent weeks, Moscow has reaffirmed its commitment to bilateral cooperation, including political and material support for Cuba as it grapples with severe economic challenges exacerbated by U.S. pressure and restrictions on oil supplies. A recent telephone call between Lavrov and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla underscored Russia’s readiness to continue providing political and financial backing to Havana, according to statements from the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The expected talks in Moscow are likely to cover bilateral relations and cooperation amid ongoing global tensions. Russia has consistently criticised U.S. sanctions and the decades-old embargo on Cuba, calling them unjust and harmful to the Cuban people. Moscow’s position is aligned with Cuba’s longstanding view that unilateral sanctions violate principles of international law and hinder the island nation’s socioeconomic development.
The upcoming meeting also comes amid other recent developments in Russia–Cuba relations. Russian media have reported that Russia is preparing to deliver crude oil and fuel to Cuba in the near future, addressing critical energy shortages worsened by reduced Venezuelan supplies and U.S. efforts to curtail fuel exports to the island. While the Kremlin has not publicly confirmed specific shipment details, discussions between Moscow and Havana over assistance have continued.
Analysts say the talks signal Moscow’s intent to maintain and strengthen ties with traditional partners in the Western Hemisphere, even as Russia faces Western sanctions related to its military actions in Ukraine and geopolitical rivalry with the United States. The Moscow talks with Cuba’s foreign minister are expected to reaffirm both countries’ positions on sanctions, cooperation, and shared diplomatic priorities.
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