Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel toured the Moskvich automobile plant in Moscow on Thursday, joined by Moscow's Mayor, Serguéi Sobyanin. Throughout the visit, Díaz-Canel praised the resilience and quality of these vehicles, many of which are still seen on the roads of Cuba, decades after they were originally produced.
This visit was part of his official trip to Russia, at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, referred to in Russia as the Great Patriotic War. During the event, Sobyanin revealed that ten Moskvich 6 cars would be donated to Cuba to support social services in Havana.
Díaz-Canel emphasized the "great quality and strength" of the Moskvich vehicles, which have been integral to Cuba's automotive landscape since the Soviet era. "The brand is well-known in Cuba, and many are still operational thanks to the ingenuity of Cuban mechanics," he remarked, as reported by the Cuban Presidency on social media.
The factory, which Díaz-Canel visited, is the oldest of the Moskvich brand and has undergone complete restoration and modernization. During his tour, Díaz-Canel observed the quality of taxis that will soon be part of Cuba's fleet, following recent bilateral agreements.
As per these agreements, an initial shipment of 50 Moskvich vehicles is planned for Cuba, consisting of 25 Moskvich 3 models and 25 Moskvich 3e models, the latter being electric. This visit is part of a broader series of bilateral agreements between Cuba and Russia aimed at modernizing transportation on the island.
Strengthening Ties Through Cooperation
In November 2024, Moscow's Vice Mayor of Transport and Industry, Maxim Liksutov, along with Cuba's Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, signed a memorandum for the delivery of 50 Moskvich vehicles to bolster taxi services in Havana and Varadero. Further agreements in April 2025 expanded collaboration on transportation, specifically in renewing the island's taxi fleet. These agreements not only involve delivering more Moskvich vehicles but also include technical support for maintenance and the potential establishment of a post-sale service system and spare parts supply.
Last Wednesday, Díaz-Canel met with President Putin at the Kremlin, reaffirming the historic and strategic ties between Havana and Moscow. According to Russian official media, both leaders discussed economic, energy, technological, and military cooperation topics. Putin reiterated his support for Cuba against international sanctions and emphasized Russia's continued collaboration with the island across various areas. Díaz-Canel expressed gratitude for Putin's ongoing support, highlighting Russia as a strategic partner for Cuba's development.
Questions on Long-Term Strategy
While the agreements to renew Cuba's taxi fleet offer a modest solution to the island's transportation crisis, they also highlight Havana's increasing reliance on Moscow. Instead of diversifying its economic and commercial relationships, the Cuban government has strengthened its alliance with Russia, which critics argue reinforces the Caribbean nation's technological and economic dependency.
The choice of Moskvich vehicles as part of Cuba's transportation modernization raises questions about the sustainability of this strategy in the long run. The country's ability to keep these vehicles operational will depend not only on the supply of spare parts from Russia but also on Moscow's willingness to continue supporting Havana amidst international sanctions and a complex global economic situation.
Key Considerations for Cuba's Transport Future
Why is Cuba renewing its taxi fleet with Moskvich vehicles?
Cuba is renewing its taxi fleet with Moskvich vehicles as part of bilateral agreements with Russia to modernize transportation on the island, utilizing the historical ties between the two nations.
What challenges does Cuba face with this strategy?
The strategy's sustainability is questioned due to the need for a steady supply of spare parts from Russia and the broader context of international sanctions and economic challenges.
How does this affect Cuba's relationship with Russia?
This move strengthens Cuba's reliance on Russia, deepening the technological and economic ties between the two nations, while potentially limiting Cuba's diversification of international partnerships.