During a public diplomacy event hosted by the Alexander Gorchakov Fund on Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made a clear statement of unity with Cuba, emphasizing Moscow’s unwavering recognition of the Caribbean nation’s right to pursue a sovereign development path independent of external interference.
Beyond articulating solidarity, Lavrov openly voiced deep concern over the sharp intensification of coercive pressure that the United States has brought to bear against Cuba in recent weeks. He stressed that Russia would not step back from its long-standing partnership with Havana, confirming that Moscow would maintain its support through multiple channels, with a particular focus on delivering critical humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people. “We will continue to provide assistance and support, including material and humanitarian aid,” Lavrov reiterated in his remarks.
The escalating standoff traces back to January 29, when former US President Donald Trump announced a full oil blockade against Cuba. The action was justified by the Trump administration on unsubstantiated claims that Cuba posed an alleged threat to US national security in the domain of nuclear affairs. In a further escalation of the campaign against Havana, Trump has issued global threats to impose punitive tariffs on any country that moves forward with oil shipments to the island nation, extending the reach of Washington’s pressure campaign beyond its own borders.