On Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, held discussions on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi.
Moscow reiterated its commitment to offering Cuba "the necessary political, diplomatic, and material support" amidst what it described as an "unprecedented escalation of the situation," referring to the escalating tensions between Cuba and the United States.
This bilateral meeting took place during the diplomatic summit that brought together foreign ministers from the bloc on May 14 and 15.
According to a formal statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow expressed its willingness to assist Havana "in pursuing its rightful demand for the immediate lifting of the U.S. commercial, economic, and financial blockade on the island," and in removing Cuba from the U.S. list of "State Sponsors of Terrorism."
Both nations also emphasized "the inadmissibility of unilateral sanctions that bypass the UN Charter," presenting a united front against pressure from the Trump administration.
The day before, Rodríguez Parrilla had urged the international community during the open session of the BRICS to mobilize to "prevent a military adventure against Cuba" that "would cause a humanitarian catastrophe, bloodshed, and the deaths of both Cubans and young Americans."
The Trump administration has imposed over 240 sanctions on the Cuban regime since January 2026, reinstated the island on the terrorism sponsors list on January 20, and signed Executive Order 14380 on January 29, enforcing an energy embargo that has slashed oil imports by 80% to 90%.
On May 5, Trump threatened to position the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln off the Cuban coast, and on May 12, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed before Congress that Cuba poses a "national security threat" to the United States.
The timeline of Russian support for Cuba in 2026 is substantial. In February, President Vladimir Putin proclaimed in Moscow that Russia "has always stood by Cuba in its fight for independence," and the Russian Embassy in Havana announced the dispatch of crude oil and fuels as "humanitarian aid."
In April, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov visited Havana for inter-ministerial consultations with Rodríguez Parrilla.
This Friday's meeting marks the first explicit mention by Russia of "material" support in the context of rising tensions with Washington, signaling a heightened level of commitment to the alliance between Moscow and Havana as Cuba faces its most severe energy crisis in decades.
Key Questions About Russia's Support for Cuba
What kind of support is Russia offering to Cuba?
Russia is offering political, diplomatic, and material support to Cuba, including assistance in lifting the U.S. blockade and providing humanitarian aid like crude oil and fuels.
How has the Trump administration responded to Cuba in 2026?
The Trump administration has imposed over 240 sanctions, reinstated Cuba on the terrorism sponsors list, and enforced an energy embargo significantly reducing oil imports to the island.