Putin meets Cuban foreign minister in Moscow, says US restrictions are ’unacceptable’

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla in Moscow on June 15, 2023, expressing strong condemnation of what he described as 'unacceptable' US restrictions on both nations, as diplomatic ties between Moscow and Havana continue to strengthen amid Western sanctions. During the closed-door meeting at the Kremlin, Putin emphasized Russia's solidarity with Cuba against what he termed the 'arbitrary' policies of the United States. The Russian leader specifically criticized the US economic embargo against Cuba, which has been in place for over six decades, as well as recent sanctions imposed on Russia following its military operation in Ukraine. Putin reaffirmed Russia's commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation with Cuba in various sectors, including energy, trade, and military technology. The meeting comes at a time when both Russia and Cuba face increasing pressure from the United States. Cuba has recently experienced intensified US sanctions targeting its tourism and remittance sectors, while Russia has been subjected to unprecedented economic restrictions following its military actions in Ukraine. In response, both countries have been seeking to strengthen their diplomatic and economic ties, with Cuba expressing support for Russia's stance on Ukraine and Russia increasing its diplomatic presence in Latin America. This meeting represents another step in what analysts describe as a strategic alignment between Moscow and Havana against common geopolitical adversaries.