Senior Russian Official Labels US Energy Sanctions on Cuba as ‘Genocide’

The Chairwoman of the Russian Federation Council has described the energy sanctions imposed on Cuba as “genocide against the people of Havana,” stating that Moscow is continuously monitoring the situation in the country. Valentina Matviyenko made these remarks on Thursday during a meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Rodríguez Parrilla in Moscow.

Matviyenko emphasized that Cuba is one of Russia’s most important strategic partners, which is why developments surrounding the country hold special significance for Moscow. According to her, economic pressures, particularly in the energy sector, have had a direct impact on the lives of Cuban residents.

Meanwhile, Cuba’s energy situation has reportedly worsened since January 3rd, when the United States military arrested Nicolás Maduro, the President of Venezuela. Venezuela was previously one of the main oil exporters to Cuba, and the reduction in its oil exports has affected Havana’s energy supply.

Additionally, on January 29th, the United States signed an executive order facilitating the imposition of tariffs on goods from countries supplying oil to Cuba. This action, according to Russian officials, has increased economic pressures on the island nation.