Ukraine has defended its decision to oppose a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for the end of the U.S. embargo against Cuba, clarifying that both this decision and the closure of its embassy in Havana are "not against the Cuban people."
In a statement, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that their actions are in response to the "inactivity" of Cuban authorities regarding the mass recruitment of Cuban citizens into the Russian military.
Sybiha elaborated that the negative vote "was not impulsive and is well-founded," emphasizing, "We remember the Cuban president's wish for 'success' to Putin in his aggressive war against Ukraine. We listened closely."
The statement followed a vote that revealed a historic decline in international support for Havana: 165 votes in favor, 7 against, and 12 abstentions for resolution A/80/L.6.
The Ukrainian official highlighted that Kiev's stance is based on Havana's failure to halt the deployment of its citizens to the war front. "Thousands have signed contracts, joining the ranks of soldiers directly involved in combat operations on Ukrainian soil," he noted.
In this context, Sybiha added that the Cuban government's refusal to stop sending its people "constitutes complicity in the aggression" and should be "strongly condemned."
He also confirmed that Kiev has chosen to "close its embassy in Havana and downgrade our diplomatic relations" as part of the response to the Cuban regime's stance.
"Our vote is not against the Cuban people; we respect their right to live in prosperity," the foreign minister insisted.
Kiev's diplomatic explanation coincided with an unexpected shift at the General Assembly: the resolution annually calling for the end of the embargo—typically backed by an overwhelming majority—received the lowest support in over a decade.
Compared to 2024, when there were 187 votes in favor, 2 against, and 1 abstention, this year's outcome signifies a break from the "automatic majority" Havana once enjoyed, with a notable increase in abstentions and negative votes.
In Cuba, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez hailed the result as a "victory for the people," but the figures indicate a loss of support.
For Ukraine, beyond the debate on sanctions, the core of the disagreement is the war: Kiev "will always oppose" actions that bolster the Russian war effort and upholds the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter as a guide for its foreign policy.
Key Questions on Ukraine's Stance and Cuba's Role
Why did Ukraine vote against the UN resolution on the U.S. embargo against Cuba?
Ukraine opposed the resolution as a response to the Cuban government's inaction regarding the recruitment of Cuban citizens for the Russian military, which Ukraine views as complicity in Russia's aggression.
How has the international support for Cuba changed in the recent UN vote?
The latest UN vote showed a significant decrease in international support for Cuba, with more abstentions and negative votes than in previous years, marking the lowest support in over a decade.