Putin Pledges Continued Support for Cuba Amidst U.S. Sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s unwavering support for Cuba during a meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the Caribbean nation grapples with a deepening economic crisis exacerbated by U.S. Sanctions. The meeting took place at the Kremlin in Moscow.

Fuel Crisis and U.S. Pressure

Rodríguez’s visit to Russia comes as Cuba faces severe fuel shortages, largely attributed to a de facto oil blockade imposed by the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration curtailed key oil supplies from Venezuela to Cuba and threatened sanctions against nations continuing to sell oil to Havana.

Putin’s Commitment to Cuba

“We have always stood by Cuba in its struggle for independence and the right to follow its own path,” Putin stated during the meeting with Rodríguez. He added that the current period is marked by “new sanctions” which Russia “do[es] not accept.”

Lavrov Criticizes U.S. Policy

Prior to the meeting with Putin, Rodríguez met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who strongly condemned U.S. Policy towards Cuba. Lavrov called for the U.S. To “refrain from the military-maritime blockade of the island of freedom,” echoing sentiments reminiscent of the Cold War era.

Historical Ties and Future Cooperation

The relationship between Cuba and Russia dates back to the socialist revolution in the late 1950s, with the Soviet Union providing significant economic and political support to Havana for decades. This close relationship has persisted even after the collapse of the USSR.

Although Moscow has not publicly committed to specific aid packages, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that support measures for Cuba were discussed during the meeting between Putin and Rodríguez.

Cuba’s Stance and Broader Geopolitical Context

Rodríguez emphasized that Cuba will not alter its political course in response to U.S. Pressure, and criticized the United States for “the deterioration of the international order.”

The strengthening of ties between Russia and Cuba also occurs against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its efforts to solidify alliances with countries like North Korea, particularly since facing Western sanctions. Cuba has not condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, and reports suggest Cuban fighters have been recruited by Russia during the war.

Putin, who visited Cuba in 2014 to meet with Fidel Castro, has recently refrained from direct criticism of the United States as Washington mediates talks to end the war in Ukraine.