Russia’s Interior Minister Visits Cuba Amid U.S. Pressure
Russia’s Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev arrived in Cuba on Tuesday for an official visit, signaling Moscow’s support for its long-time ally amid mounting tensions with the United States.
The visit comes after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Cuba’s communist government “is ready to fall” and pressured Havana to “make a deal” or face consequences similar to those imposed on Venezuela. In a recent U.S. operation, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured, and dozens of soldiers, including 32 Cuban personnel, were reportedly killed.
Kolokoltsev condemned the U.S. operation, calling it an “unprovoked act of armed aggression” against Venezuela and stressing the need to consolidate efforts to counter external threats. Upon arrival, he attended a memorial for the Cuban soldiers killed and highlighted plans to strengthen bilateral cooperation in law enforcement and security.
Russia and Cuba, both facing Western sanctions, have deepened ties since 2022. The visit is part of ongoing efforts to bolster political and economic cooperation as Havana navigates its worst economic crisis in decades and growing U.S. pressure.
Cuba’s government described the visit as “of enormous significance,” while the U.S. continues to monitor the region. The U.S. chief of mission in Havana met with the head of U.S. Southern Command to discuss the situation in Cuba and the Caribbean.
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