Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as Cuba faces a deepening energy crisis exacerbated by U.S. Policy, the Kremlin confirmed.
The meeting took place amid severe fuel shortages and widespread blackouts on the island, stemming from restrictions on oil imports. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated the meeting was particularly important given “the difficult period that friendly and brotherly Cuba is currently experiencing,” according to state news agencies.
Rodríguez also held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Lavrov urged the United States to refrain from a potential blockade of Cuba, a threat issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump against nations continuing oil sales to the island. “Together with most members of the global community, we are calling on the U.S. To show common sense, take a responsible approach and refrain from its plans of sea blockade,” Lavrov said during the discussions.
Peskov indicated Russia intends to continue supporting Cuba, emphasizing the value Moscow places on its relationship with Havana. “We value our relationship with Cuba highly and intend to develop it further, certainly by providing the appropriate assistance to our friends during these difficult times,” he said.
The crisis in Cuba has been intensified by the cessation of oil shipments from Venezuela following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. Authorities and his subsequent transport to Modern York to face drug trafficking charges. Mexico also halted oil deliveries to Cuba after the imposition of tariff threats by the Trump administration.
Russia’s embassy in Havana announced last week its plans to send oil and other petroleum products to Cuba as humanitarian aid. When questioned about whether this move could potentially impact ongoing Ukraine peace negotiations brokered by the United States, Peskov stated he did not believe the two issues were connected.
Cuba has been a long-standing ally of Russia, dating back to the socialist revolution of the 1960s, and historically relied on Soviet economic and political support. The Kremlin has maintained close ties with the Caribbean nation since the dissolution of the U.S.S.R.
The Cuban Foreign Ministry’s initial response to the visit was limited, with a brief press release on its website detailing Rodríguez’s meetings in Moscow. Neither President Miguel Díaz-Canel nor Rodríguez himself publicly acknowledged the trip on social media as of Wednesday.
Peskov acknowledged the critical situation on the island, stating, “The situation in Cuba is indeed critical. We are aware of this.” He noted shortages extend beyond fuel to include food and medicine, further compounding the challenges faced by the Cuban population.
