Russia Reiterates Solidarity with Cuba Amidst US Sanctions, Lavrov Says

Russia reiterates its solidarity with Cuba, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

"We reiterate our full solidarity with and support for the Cuban people and the Island of Freedom," he said at the third plenary session of the BRICS ministerial meeting in New Delhi.

According to the top Russian diplomat, "the expansion of illegal practices of unilateral coercive measures, including illegitimate sanctions, the illegal seizure of assets and property in violation of the basic principle of sovereign equality of states, fundamental human rights, including the right to development, health, and food security" constitutes a challenge to the multilateral system of international relations.

"We are witnessing attempts, in violation of all these principles, to inflict irreparable harm on the populations of countries that have done nothing to provoke such a policy, including the states represented here, I am referring to Iran and, of course, everyone knows what is now being made against our friends in Cuba," Lavrov noted.

The situation in Cuba deteriorated dramatically in late January 2026, after the US administration announced an energy blockade of the island, which entailed an energy crisis. Cuba’s national power grid failed three times in March, leaving the entire island without electricity for days. More to it, the country is seeing acute shortages of gasoline and diesel fuels. A number of foreign air carriers suspended flights to Cuba due to the lack of jet kerosene at its airports.

The BRICS ministerial meeting was held in New Delhi on May 14 and 15. Russia was represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. After the meeting, a final statement was issued by India which currently chairs the group.