Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a forceful condemnation of the United States’ economic measures against Cuba, denouncing the Trump administration’s blockade on fuel shipments as completely unacceptable. The declaration came during high-level diplomatic talks in Moscow with Cuba’s foreign minister on Wednesday.
Putin utilized the meeting to reaffirm Russia’s historical alliance with the Caribbean nation, emphasizing unwavering support for Cuban sovereignty. “We have consistently stood beside Cuba throughout its struggle for independence and its fundamental right to determine its own developmental trajectory,” Putin stated during the discussions.
The current fuel crisis stems from a January military operation conducted by U.S. forces that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This intervention effectively severed Cuba’s primary oil supply route from Venezuela. Subsequently, President Trump issued warnings that nations attempting to supply petroleum products to Cuba would encounter significant tariff penalties.
According to reports from Tass, Russia’s official news agency, Putin characterized the situation as a “special period with new sanctions” while reiterating Moscow’s opposition to such economic coercion tactics.
The humanitarian consequences are becoming increasingly severe across Cuba. The nation has implemented strict rationing protocols for remaining fuel supplies while reducing essential public services. United Nations officials have raised alarms about potential systemic collapse if the blockade continues, noting deteriorating conditions in waste management and other critical infrastructure. Photographic evidence from recent days shows accumulating garbage in urban areas as collection services deteriorate due to energy shortages.