Russia's Putin meets Cuban FM, says US restrictions unacceptable'

"In separate talks with Rodriguez, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow is urging the US not to impose a full naval blockade on the island, advocating negotiations instead. Lavrov called on Washington to show sound judgement and a responsible approach, and refrain from plans to impose a naval blockade on Cuba, according to TASS. He also said Moscow categorically rejects that cooperation between Russia and Cuba may be seen to pose a threat to the US or other countries."

"Rodriguez expressed concern about Washington's actions, which he said threatened the sovereignty of all countries. Cuba will continue to resolutely move forward in protecting its independence and sovereignty, and seek solutions for its economy, he added, according to TASS. Rodriguez also said Havana would always be ready for a respectful dialogue on equal terms with any country and honour its agreements with Moscow, despite the difficulties."

"The island nation of 11 million is staggering under the yoke of major fuel shortages after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 29 authorising the imposition of trade tariffs on imports of oil from third countries to Cuba. United Nations experts have condemned the move, describing it as unilateral economic coercion with extraterritorial effects. The White House said on Wednesday it is in Cuba's best interest to make significant changes soon, but stopped short of calling for a change in"

Vladimir Putin condemned new United States restrictions on Cuba as unacceptable. Sergey Lavrov urged the United States to refrain from imposing a full naval blockade and advocated negotiations, stressing that Moscow rejects any suggestion that cooperation with Cuba threatens other countries. Bruno Rodriguez warned Washington's actions threaten sovereignty, affirmed Cuba's resolve to protect independence, and expressed readiness for respectful, equal dialogue while honouring agreements with Moscow. Cuba faces major fuel shortages after a US executive order authorising tariffs on oil imports to Cuba. United Nations experts described the move as unilateral economic coercion with extraterritorial effects.

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