Russia to Continue Oil and Aid Supplies to Cuba Amidst Energy Crisis
Translated from Slovak, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Russia will continue supplying oil and humanitarian aid to Cuba, which is facing a severe energy crisis.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated this during a visit to China, noting that Russia sent its first oil tanker to Cuba in two weeks.
- Lavrov criticized U.S. policy towards Cuba, hoping the U.S. would not return to an era of "colonial wars."
Russia reaffirms its commitment to supporting Cuba amidst its ongoing energy crisis, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announcing continued oil and humanitarian aid shipments. This pledge comes as Cuba grapples with severe energy shortages, a situation exacerbated by international pressures.
Lavrov's remarks, made during his visit to China, highlight Russia's role as a key partner for Havana. The recent dispatch of a 100,000-ton oil tanker marks a significant step in restoring energy assistance, particularly after the U.S. seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolรกs Maduro, a crucial regional ally and oil supplier to Cuba. Russia's continued support is vital for Cuba's stability.
I have no doubt that we will continue to provide such assistance and that (China) will, of course, continue to participate in this cooperation.
Furthermore, Lavrov used the occasion to strongly criticize U.S. policy towards Cuba. He expressed hope that the United States would not revert to a mindset reminiscent of "colonial wars," emphasizing that Washington, not Havana, has historically isolated Cuba. This perspective from Moscow frames the U.S. actions as an impediment to Cuba's development and sovereignty, contrasting it with Russia's supportive stance.
It was not Cuba that refused dialogue with Washington for decades, but Washington that did everything to isolate Cuba.
Originally published by SME in Slovak. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.