Russia reaffirms its support for Cuba and condemns US interference

After US President Trump made a statement claiming to "take over" Cuba, Russia reaffirmed its "firm support" for Cuba.

Reuters reported that on Tuesday (March 17th), the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement reaffirming its unwavering commitment to standing by the government and people of Cuba, and continuing to provide necessary support to Cuba, including material assistance.

Although the Russian Foreign Ministry did not name Trump, it expressed serious concern over the escalation of tensions surrounding the so-called "Free Island" Cuba. "We strongly condemn any attempt to brutally interfere in the internal affairs of a sovereign country, to intimidate, and to use illegal unilateral restrictive measures."

The statement also said: "At present, Liberty Island is facing unprecedented challenges. These are the direct consequences of the United States' long-standing trade, economic, financial, and recent energy embargo against Cuba."

Trump recently intensified economic pressure on Cuba by imposing an oil embargo, which has severely damaged Cuba's already outdated power generation system, causing power outages in multiple regions of the country. The Cuban power grid operator said that this power outage affected approximately 10 million people.

The New York Times reported that removing Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel is a key objective for the United States. The Times also quoted four people familiar with the situation as saying that the US has signaled to Cuban negotiators that the president should step down, but has left the subsequent steps to be decided by the Cubans.

The Kremlin stated that it has already established contact with the Cuban leadership and Moscow is prepared to provide all possible assistance.

Since the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Cuba has long been a close ally of Russia, and has maintained the relationship through financial and material support in recent years.