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Russian Initiative to Send Children to Cuba for Recreation and Rehabilitation Gains Momentum

Friday, June 27, 2025 by Alexander Flores

Russian Initiative to Send Children to Cuba for Recreation and Rehabilitation Gains Momentum
Promotional poster for the podcast 'From Moscow to Havana' (Reference image) - Image © Cubadebate

In a move symbolizing the strengthening ties between Moscow and Havana, Russian officials have confirmed ongoing discussions about launching a program that would see Russian children traveling to Cuba for recreation and rehabilitation. The initiative, highlighted by the pro-regime media outlet Cubadebate, was unveiled by Sergey Ribalchenko, an official from Russia's Civic Chamber, during a roundtable focused on cooperation with Latin America held this week in Moscow.

Ribalchenko emphasized that these exchanges not only foster children's health and development but also lay the groundwork for long-term cultural and diplomatic relationships. “If children make friends there, it will translate into future connections and relationships,” he stated. Additionally, he disclosed that a group of Cuban youths is expected to travel to St. Petersburg soon to continue their Russian language studies, and he proposed the establishment of a BRICS camp for children from the member countries of the bloc.

During the event, other symbolic and diplomatic proposals were discussed, such as the potential voyage of the renowned Russian sailing ships, Krusenstern and Sedov, to Cuba in 2026 to commemorate the centenary of the late dictator Fidel Castro's birth. Discussions also covered cooperation possibilities in health, telemedicine, biopharmaceuticals, and medical tourism, with Russian officials commending Cuba's advancements in the biotechnology sector.

Strategic Presence in the Caribbean

The shared agenda clearly reflects the Kremlin's intent to strengthen its strategic foothold in the Caribbean through "soft" alliances that merge diplomacy, education, and health initiatives.

Additional Initiatives

In December 2024, it was announced that Cuban children from various provinces would have the chance to spend their summer vacations in St. Petersburg. This program, driven by the local government, aims to enhance cultural ties and offer unique experiences to the young visitors. According to the digital channel Gorod Plus, the city is set to welcome children from the island and Vietnam in 2025, as stated by Governor Alexander Beglov during a municipal government meeting.

However, as these plans progress, a conservative Russian group, the Union of Orthodox Flag Bearers, requested in May that the government of the Rostov region ban minors from traveling to Cuba, citing the legalization of gay marriage on the island. The petition was sent to the relevant committees and Valentina Kazakova, head of the General Directorate for Migration Affairs at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, by Igor Miroshnichenko, the deputy head of the organization, as reported by the Russian media outlet PanRam.

FAQs on Russian-Cuban Child Exchange Program

What is the purpose of the Russian initiative to send children to Cuba?

The initiative aims to promote children's health and development, while also laying the foundation for long-term cultural and diplomatic relationships between Russia and Cuba.

What other cooperation areas were discussed between Russia and Cuba?

The discussions included potential cooperation in health, telemedicine, biopharmaceuticals, and medical tourism, along with symbolic gestures such as the planned voyage of Russian sailing ships to Cuba in 2026.

Why did the Union of Orthodox Flag Bearers request a ban on minors traveling to Cuba?

The Union of Orthodox Flag Bearers requested the ban due to the legalization of gay marriage in Cuba, which the conservative group opposes.

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