In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez and pledged support to the island nation amid the US blockade and oil embargo, which has led to blackouts and severe fuel shortages. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov urged the US to end these measures. Rodríguez voiced concerns over the deterioration of the international order.
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez met in Moscow with top Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin. Putin reaffirmed his support for Cuba in the face of the US economic blockade and oil embargo, which has worsened energy supply issues on the Caribbean island.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called on the United States to lift the blockade and oil embargo, noting how these policies have left Cuba grappling with power blackouts and severe fuel shortages. The meeting occurs amid rising international tensions, with Cuba seeking allies to counter US sanctions.
During the encounter, Rodríguez expressed concerns about the deterioration of the international order. He stated: “We share a great concern about the deterioration of the international order, which was already unjust and precarious, but which today is being replaced by the practices of the United States government through operations of plunder and occupation of natural resources, total transgression of international law, and ignorance of the United Nations, which threatens not only the current order, multilateralism, the United Nations and others, but also the sovereignty and security of all States without exception.”
The statement highlights the strategic alliance between Russia and Cuba, which has involved cooperation in energy and trade in recent years. No specific aid commitments were detailed on this occasion, but Russia's backing strengthens Cuba's stance in international forums against unilateral sanctions.
