While Cuba faces one of its most severe economic and energy crises, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla has once again resorted to the regime's familiar script during his visit to Moscow.
The narrative remains unchanged: unfulfilled promises, explanations that attribute all issues to external factors, and a particularly glaring falsehood—the claim that the Cuban people endure hardships with "broad consensus" and a "high level of awareness."
The Illusion of Economic Recovery
Before his Russian counterpart, Serguéi Lavrov, Rodríguez declared, "We will steadfastly defend our independence and sovereignty, maintain our unwavering course towards greater economic efficiency, work tirelessly on our economic recovery, and remain open to respectful dialogue on equal terms with any country."
However, this rhetoric of "greater economic efficiency" and "recovery" starkly contrasts with the reality of prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, rampant inflation, and unprecedented levels of migration.
Despite the use of familiar terms like resistance, sovereignty, and recovery, Cuba's economy continues to deteriorate. The energy crisis has even led to the suspension of tourist package sales from Russia, after Cuba admitted it couldn't guarantee fuel for incoming flights.
The promise of recovery is echoed year after year, yet tangible results and clear timelines remain elusive.
The Myth of "Broad Consensus"
Perhaps the most contentious assertion is: "Our people endure hardships and difficult conditions, but they do so with broad consensus and a high awareness of the causes of these problems."
This statement encapsulates the official narrative: suffering is portrayed as a collective agreement, with external enemies as the root cause, positioning the Cuban government as a victim rather than a perpetrator.
Portraying sacrifice as unanimity disregards diverse opinions and growing social unrest. The reality tells a different story—over a million Cubans have left the country in a recent record-breaking period. The protests on July 11, 2021, and subsequent demonstrations highlighted profound dissatisfaction.
Judicial sentences and increased repression have characterized the years since then. True consensus is not claimed; it is demonstrated. Today in Cuba, mass migration and visible discontent blatantly contradict this narrative.
Russia: A Lifeline Amid Crisis
In his address, Rodríguez expressed concern over the deteriorating international order, accusing the U.S. government of engaging in resource plundering operations and violating international law. He asserted that Cuba faces a greater threat due to decades of blockade, exacerbated by an executive order labeling Cuba as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security and foreign policy.
The official Russian statement supported this stance, condemning Washington's actions and reiterating its support for Cuba's demand to end the embargo and remove it from the list of "state sponsors" of terrorism. Lavrov urged the U.S. to "show common sense" and cease what he termed a "maritime blockade," pledging continued Russian support for Cuba's sovereignty and security.
In his conclusion, Rodríguez highlighted the historic and strategic relationship between Russia and Cuba, emphasizing ongoing bilateral cooperation and expressing confidence in achieving mutual goals.
"Great satisfaction in meeting again with my dear friend Serguei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister. I expressed gratitude for Russia's traditional and historic solidarity and support for Cuba, especially against the blockade and energy siege. We will work together to uphold International Law, multilateralism, and international Peace and Security," Rodríguez wrote on X.
The Kremlin described the meeting as held in a "traditionally friendly and trusting atmosphere," affirming a commitment to strengthening strategic partnership.
The context, however, underscores the urgency behind this diplomacy. Venezuela ceased crude oil sales to Cuba in January, and Mexico suspended shipments following tariff threats from Washington. Russian media have suggested that Moscow is considering sending a humanitarian fuel shipment to Havana.
Currently, the relationship with Russia appears more as an immediate energy necessity than an ideological alliance. While Moscow speaks of multilateralism and sovereignty, Cuba continues to endure blackouts, shortages, and mass migration.
Bruno Rodríguez's remarks combine recycled economic recovery promises, a narrative solely blaming the embargo, and assertions of popular consensus that are starkly disproven by reality.
Understanding Cuba's Current Crisis
What are the main causes of Cuba's energy crisis?
Cuba's energy crisis is primarily due to prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, and a lack of investment in infrastructure, exacerbated by the withdrawal of oil supplies from countries like Venezuela and Mexico.
How has the Cuban government responded to the economic situation?
The Cuban government continues to promise economic recovery and greater efficiency, while attributing difficulties to external factors such as the U.S. embargo, without providing clear timelines or concrete results.
What is the significance of Russia's support for Cuba?
Russia's support is significant as it provides Cuba with political backing against U.S. sanctions and potentially offers critical resources like fuel, which are essential amid the island's energy crisis.