Putin Condemns US Restrictions on Cuba as Island Faces Fuel Crisis

Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly criticized the Trump administration’s tightening of restrictions on Cuba, including a fuel blockade, deeming the measures “unacceptable.” The condemnation comes as Cuba grapples with a severe economic crisis and energy shortages, a situation Russia has described as “truly critical.”

Putin Reaffirms Support for Cuba

During a meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla in Moscow on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Putin reiterated Russia’s longstanding support for Cuba’s sovereignty and right to self-determination. “We have always been on Cuba’s side in its struggle for independence, for the right to follow its own path of development and we have always supported the Cuban people,” Putin stated, according to Russian news agency Tass .

Putin emphasized that Russia does not accept the new sanctions imposed on the island nation, characterizing the current period as one of “special” challenges due to these restrictions.

US Policy and the Fuel Crisis

The US has been increasing pressure on Cuba, with the current administration calling for political changes on the island. But, officials have stopped short of discussing regime change, focusing instead on the Cuban government’s perceived failures. The fuel blockade has exacerbated an already dire economic situation, leading to widespread shortages and visible signs of hardship, such as accumulating waste in Havana.

Russia Offers Potential Assistance

Russia has indicated its willingness to provide assistance to Cuba, including potential material aid, to help alleviate the fuel crisis. Moscow has been a key ally of Cuba for decades and is actively exploring ways to support the country.

Diplomatic Discussions

In addition to Putin’s meeting with Rodríguez Parrilla, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also met with the Cuban Foreign Minister on February 18, 2026. Lavrov urged the United States to refrain from imposing a naval blockade on Cuba and instead pursue dialogue and negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia has not discussed the situation in Cuba with Washington.