Russia, which expanded its territory with colonial policies and invasions and currently occupies a large part of Ukraine, accused the United States on Tuesday (10) of adopting “neocolonial practices” against Cuba and Venezuela.
“In the focus of our attention, the fight against any neocolonial practice continues, from unilateral coercive measures to military interventions. In this context, we confirm solidarity with the people of Venezuela and Cuba. We are convinced that only they can choose their destiny”, stated Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in a video message released by Russian diplomacy, without mentioning that the two countries, like Russia, are dictatorships.
In turn, the Russian ambassador in Havana, Viktor Koronelli, commented in statements to the Russian news agency Tass that Moscow observes “the situation in the Latin American and Caribbean region with great concern”.
“The increase in pressure and the escalation of aggressive rhetoric by Washington, especially against sister Cuba, undermine security and stability in this region of the world,” he warned.
According to the Russian diplomat, “the North’s strategy of maximum pressure against Cuba and the recent unilateral restrictions pursue a single objective: to suffocate it economically.”
“We categorically reject these actions against a country that is going through a difficult situation, caused by the criminal commercial, economic and financial blockade imposed almost 70 years ago”, added Koronelli.
After its main ally in the Americas, Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, was captured in a US military operation at the beginning of January, Russia saw American President Donald Trump announce tariffs on products imported from countries that send oil to Cuba at the end of the month.
In the executive order in which he determined the measure, Trump cited that Cuba represents a threat to the United States as it serves as a base for Russian and Chinese espionage in the Western Hemisphere.
“Cuba is home to Russia’s largest signals intelligence facility abroad, which attempts to steal sensitive national security information from the United States. Cuba continues to build deep intelligence and defense cooperation with the People’s Republic of China,” the American president said in the document.
