Russia Pledges Continued Support for Venezuela & Cuba Amid US Sanctions

Russia Vows Continued Energy Support to Cuba Amid U.S. Pressure

Russia has pledged to continue supplying oil to Cuba, even as the United States increases diplomatic and economic pressure on Havana and nations that trade fuel with the Caribbean island. The commitment comes after U.S. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency concerning Cuba last week, labeling the island’s government an “unusual and extraordinary threat” and threatening tariffs on countries providing oil to Cuba.

Russian Ambassador to Havana, Viktor Coronelli, stated on Thursday, February 5, 2026, “We assume that this practice will continue,” reiterating Moscow’s long-standing energy ties with Cuba, according to state news agency RIA.

This pledge follows a recent disruption to Cuba’s traditional oil routes. Venezuela, historically Cuba’s largest supplier, has halted deliveries in response to U.S. Pressure, contributing to fuel shortages, rising food and transport costs and widespread blackouts, even in the capital, Havana.

The move by the U.S. Administration aims to isolate the Cuban leadership and limit its access to energy resources. Moscow’s support for Cuba extends beyond energy, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirming his country’s backing to Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez during a phone call on Monday.

Lavrov condemned U.S. Economic pressure on Cuba and warned against blocking energy supplies, according to reports. Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also addressed the situation on January 28, 2026, noting that Venezuela is also facing a U.S. Embargo.

Vasili Nebenzia, Russia’s representative to the United Nations, affirmed Moscow’s continued support for Venezuela and its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with the South American nation. He stated Russia fully supports the Venezuelan authorities’ efforts to protect state sovereignty and national interests, and intends to strengthen all areas of their strategic partnership.

According to a statement by Nebenzia, Russia is “firmly determined to consistently develop bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of our countries and to strengthen international security and stability.” He also expressed confidence that the new package of unilateral sanctions from the U.S. Would not break the spirit of the Cuban people.

The Russian government and people are united in defending national sovereignty against what they describe as “endless” pressure from the U.S. Venezuela and Cuba both have treaties of strategic partnership and cooperation with Russia that remain in effect, according to Venezuelan Ambassador to Moscow, Jesús Rafael Salazar Velásquez. He emphasized that no foreign power can affect these agreements.