Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel affirmed his refusal to step down due to US pressure and emphasized the importance of open communication during his debut TV interview with an American network. Diaz-Canel, speaking to NBC News, emphasized Cuba’s sovereignty, self-determination, and independence from US influence, stating that the US has no moral authority to dictate terms to Cuba.
Rejecting the notion of yielding to pressure, Diaz-Canel stressed that the Cuban leadership does not entertain the idea of resigning. The US has been applying pressure on Cuba through tactics such as threatening tariffs on nations providing oil to the island, effectively creating an oil blockade.
In a show of support, a Russian deputy foreign minister expressed Russia’s unwavering commitment to assisting Cuba in overcoming energy challenges caused by the US embargo. Sergei Ryabkov affirmed Russia’s dedication to its interests in the Western hemisphere and reiterated that Russia will stand by Cuba, providing further aid beyond the recent oil shipment.
Ryabkov emphasized that solving Cuba’s energy needs remains a top priority for Russia, indicating that additional support measures are being considered. He underlined that Russia’s presence in the Western hemisphere will persist despite US objections, highlighting the importance of maintaining strategic alliances in the region.
Addressing the geopolitical landscape, Ryabkov pointed out that aggressive tactics like sanctions and military actions against countries like Iran do not yield the desired outcomes. The recent delivery of Russian oil to Cuba aboard the sanctioned vessel Anatoly Kolodkin marked a significant step in supporting Cuba amid US attempts to cut off its energy supply.
