In a period of escalating tensions with Washington, Russia has once again conveyed a strong message regarding Cuba. This time, the declaration came from the United Nations, highlighting a firm stance that the situation leading to Nicolás Maduro's capture in Venezuela will not be mirrored in Cuba.
The Russian ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, asserted that Cuba does not have internal divisions or high-ranking officials ready to cooperate with the United States, contrasting with what the Kremlin claims transpired in Caracas.
"In Venezuela, it was undeniably a betrayal. This is openly discussed. A portion of the high officials indeed betrayed the president," Nebenzya stated on Russian state television, as reported by the EFE agency. He then clearly emphasized, "That scenario will not occur in Cuba."
The diplomat's remarks come at a particularly sensitive time for Havana, beset by new sanctions from the Trump Administration, increasing economic pressures, and speculations about a possible complete tightening of the U.S. embargo.
Nebenzya highlighted that Maduro, whose release Russia continues to demand, had been the Kremlin's main ally in Latin America for years, a role that Cuba now assumes as a strategic partner.
The support extends beyond mere words. In recent months, Moscow has labeled reports of a potential total blockade against Cuba as "alarming" and has openly denounced the sanctions imposed by Washington.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, described these measures as "illegitimate," part of a "maximum pressure" strategy aimed at economically suffocating the island.
Nevertheless, the rhetoric of solidarity also reveals the real limitations of this support. Russian analysts have acknowledged in state media that, should U.S. pressure intensify, Moscow would be able to back Cuba only politically and diplomatically. Economic assistance and, especially, a response to an energy blockade would be beyond its capabilities, far from the level of support seen during Soviet times.
Understanding Russia's Support for Cuba
What did the Russian ambassador to the UN claim about Cuba?
The Russian ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, claimed that Cuba does not have internal fissures or high-ranking officials willing to cooperate with the United States, unlike the situation that occurred in Venezuela.
How does Russia view the sanctions imposed on Cuba by the United States?
Russia views the sanctions imposed by the United States as "illegitimate," criticizing them as part of a "maximum pressure" strategy to economically strangle Cuba.
What does Russia's support for Cuba include?
Russia's support for Cuba includes political and diplomatic backing, but due to resource constraints, it cannot extend to economic assistance or response to a potential energy blockade.