Miguel Díaz-Canel, Cuba's leader, touched down in Moscow this Tuesday to partake in the Victory Day military parade, commemorating the defeat of Nazism. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin was notably absent upon his arrival. Instead, Díaz-Canel was greeted by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and a Russian State Protocol officer, highlighting the subservient role Cuba holds in its increasingly unequal relationship with the Kremlin.
Despite efforts by the official Cuban newspaper, Granma, to lend an air of solemnity to the Cuban leader's trip—citing reasons such as celebrating "65 years of diplomatic relations" with Russia—the international context of this visit raises significant questions. Against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, a conflict condemned by much of the global community, Havana persists in forging closer ties with a regime accused of war crimes and facing growing diplomatic isolation.
Granma's narrative also emphasizes that Díaz-Canel will participate in the traditional military parade at Red Square and pay tribute to Fidel Castro at a statue located in Moscow's Sokol district. This visit follows a brief 24-hour stopover in Saint Petersburg, which was similarly portrayed by state media as part of an "intense agenda," yet lacking in details about any specific agreements or tangible benefits for Cuba.
In Russian foreign policy, Putin typically reserves personal greetings for top-tier strategic allies. For instance, during North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's visit in September 2023, Putin personally welcomed him at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia's Far East. That encounter was meticulously orchestrated, featuring tours of space facilities, an official luncheon, toast exchanges, and mutual promises of military and technological cooperation.
This treatment is not coincidental. During other high-profile visits, such as Chinese President Xi Jinping's in March 2023 and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's in July 2024, Putin did not appear at the airport. However, their welcomes were led by higher-ranking figures than Ryabkov, such as Deputy Prime Ministers Dmitry Chernyshenko and Denis Manturov, respectively.
Consequently, the reception afforded to Díaz-Canel can be interpreted as a clear indication that the Cuban government does not hold a significant place in Russia's hierarchy of strategic allies, despite official rhetoric of "historic brotherhood." Cuba's economic, political, and symbolic reliance on Russia has only deepened without clear evidence that this alliance has alleviated the hardships faced by the Cuban people.
Amid daily power outages, chronic shortages, and record migration levels, Cuba is experiencing a social crisis for which Moscow's forums and parades offer no apparent solutions. Far from receiving honors, Díaz-Canel arrived in Russia as a minor partner, relegated in protocol and without clear signs that this visit will bring tangible benefits to alleviate the severe internal crisis affecting millions of Cubans.
Understanding Cuba-Russia Relations
Why was Díaz-Canel welcomed by a deputy minister in Moscow?
Díaz-Canel was welcomed by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, which suggests that Cuba is not considered a primary strategic ally of Russia. High-ranking officials, such as Vladimir Putin, typically greet leaders of significant strategic importance personally.
What is the significance of Díaz-Canel's visit to Moscow?
The visit is significant as it underscores Cuba's continued efforts to strengthen ties with Russia amid international condemnation of Russia's actions in Ukraine. It also highlights the asymmetrical nature of the Cuba-Russia relationship, with Cuba playing a subordinate role.