Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday described the new sanctions against Cuba as unacceptable. His statements came during his meeting with the Caribbean nation's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, who is on an official visit to Moscow.

"We are in a special period, with new sanctions. You already know what we think about that. We do not accept anything of the sort," the president declared, emphasizing that the position of the Russian Foreign Ministry is perceived in an "open, clear, and unambiguous manner."

At the same time, Putin highlighted the long-standing and historic relations between Russia and Cuba, adding that Moscow has always supported the island "in its struggle for independence." "We have always been on Cuba's side in its struggle for independence, for the right to follow its own path of development, and we have always supported the Cuban people," he emphasized.

"We know how difficult it has been for the Cuban people throughout these decades of Cuban independence in their struggle for their right to live by their own rules and defend their national interests," he remarked.

Previously, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that "it is evident that the meeting is of particular importance given the difficult moment that our friend and sister" Havana is going through. Likewise, he underscored that Russia, like many other countries, firmly opposes the U.S. blockade against the Caribbean island. "We greatly value our relations [with Cuba] and intend to develop them further, of course, during difficult times, providing appropriate assistance to our friends," he concluded.

Firm Support

On the same day, Rodríguez held talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, who once again emphasized Moscow's full solidarity with Havana. Furthermore, the Russian Foreign Minister stressed that his country will continue to provide support to Cuba in defending its sovereignty and security, while noting that this cooperation does not pose a threat to the U.S. or any other country.

Lavrov described Washington's actions as "unacceptable," after the U.S. previously issued a special decree declaring that Cuba, and its cooperation with Russia, represents a threat to American interests. "Of course, we categorically reject the outlandish accusations against Russia and Cuba, against our cooperation, which supposedly creates a threat to the interests of the United States or anyone else," he underscored.

Trump's Threats to Cuba

On January 29, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring a "national emergency" in the face of the alleged "unusual and extraordinary threat" that, according to Washington, Cuba supposedly poses to the security of the North American country and the region.

On those grounds, the imposition of tariffs on countries that sell oil to the Caribbean nation was announced, along with threats of reprisals against those who act contrary to the White House executive order. Subsequently, the White House occupant acknowledged that his Administration maintained contacts with Havana and indicated that they intend to reach an agreement, although he described the Caribbean nation as a "nation in decline" that "no longer has Venezuela" to sustain itself.

These words come amid the economic and commercial blockade the U.S. has maintained against Cuba for more than six decades. The embargo, which severely affects the country's economy, has now been reinforced with numerous coercive and unilateral measures by the White House.

"Cuba is a free, independent, and sovereign nation. No one dictates to us what to do. Cuba does not aggress; it has been aggressed by the U.S. for 66 years, and does not threaten; it prepares, ready to defend the homeland to the last drop of blood," stated Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

All unfounded accusations from Washington have been systematically rejected by Havana, which has warned that it will defend its territorial integrity.