Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, Russian will become the primary foreign language taught in Cuban schools. This development highlights Cuba's increasing alignment with Russia.
The Russian Ministry of Education made the announcement following a bilateral meeting where both governments agreed to enhance educational collaboration. This includes areas like technical training and the integration of technology in education.
The initiative aims to expand programs such as "Russian Teachers Abroad," which already places Russian educators in Havana's schools, fully integrated into Cuba's educational system.
According to Diario de Cuba, this move extends beyond academics and represents a broader cultural influence strategy by the Kremlin on the island. Projects under this initiative include the creation of educational centers, joint development of materials, and the promotion of the Russian language in various settings.
The program is currently active in Havana Vieja's schools and is set to expand to other key provinces like Santiago de Cuba and Matanzas, targeting crucial stages for language learning.
This decision coincides with the introduction of Chinese as an elective language in secondary education, reflecting Cuba's growing reliance on its political allies.
Furthermore, Moscow and Havana are progressing with joint projects like establishing open education centers and increasing the presence of Russian academic institutions on the island, thereby solidifying Russia's influence in Cuba's educational landscape.
The Russian portal Rambler confirmed this strategy, describing it as part of a broader educational and cultural initiative led by Moscow.
The agreement includes sending Russian teachers to Cuba and expanding Russian language teaching centers, amidst ongoing coordination between both governments to strengthen their partnership amid international pressures on the island.
Another aspect of the plan involves Moscow's intent to export its educational model to countries like Cuba and cultural training initiatives such as sending students to Russian institutions.
According to Afisha Daily, Russian-supported language teaching facilities operate in several Cuban cities, reinforcing the Kremlin's direct presence in the island's educational system.
In 2025, Russian media reported that Cuban television would begin broadcasting Russian language classes, a practice reminiscent of the Soviet-era broadcasts in the 1970s and 1980s.
This project, initiated in the fall of 2023, was a collaboration between the University of Havana, the A.S. Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, and Cuban television.
Earlier, in 2024, the Southern Federal University (SFedU) of Russia announced its active work towards opening a branch in Havana, slated for autumn that year.
Similarly, in 2020, the University of Havana launched a preparatory language faculty with a focus on Russian language instruction.
Understanding Cuba's Educational Shift Towards Russian
Why is Cuba prioritizing Russian as a foreign language?
Cuba is prioritizing Russian as part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties with Russia, reflecting the island's increasing reliance on its political allies.
What other languages are being introduced in Cuban schools?
Alongside Russian, Chinese is being introduced as an elective language in secondary education, showcasing Cuba's broader linguistic strategy.
How will this change impact Cuba's education system?
The introduction of Russian is expected to reshape Cuba's educational system by integrating Russian educational models and increasing Russian cultural influence.