Russian interior minister visits Cuba
Kolokoltsev meets leaders to deepen security and strategic ties
Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev arrived in Havana to begin an official visit marked by high-level meetings and commemorative events, Russian and Cuban officials said. Kolokoltsev paid tribute to 32 Cuban combatants killed during a U.S. military action in Venezuela and met with former president Raúl Castro and President Miguel Díaz‑Canel to discuss bilateral cooperation.
Officials described talks as focused on strengthening ties in law enforcement, internal security and broader strategic cooperation. Agenda items included training, information‑sharing and joint efforts against organized crime, drug trafficking and cyber threats, alongside discussions of trade, energy and investment. The Russian embassy said Kolokoltsev would take part in commemorative activities linked to Cuba’s historical ties with Moscow.
The visit is Moscow’s first senior trip to the island since a recent escalation of U.S. military actions in the Caribbean and the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, developments that have intensified geopolitical tensions. Cuban state media reported Díaz‑Canel and Kolokoltsev discussed the regional context and the impact of the U.S. embargo on Cuba; both sides reiterated opposition to U.S. sanctions and emphasized Russia’s support for Cuban sovereignty and economic stability.
Russia’s outreach to Havana comes as Moscow seeks to deepen partnerships in Latin America and the Caribbean and present itself as an alternative partner to the United States. For Cuba, closer ties with Russia are framed as a means to diversify international support amid shortages, power outages and economic strain exacerbated by sanctions and reduced access to oil supplies.
Both governments described the meetings as constructive and indicated further high‑level contacts are planned to expand cooperation in security, energy and economic areas. The visit underscores a renewed push to reinforce political and security links between Moscow and Havana at a moment of heightened regional tension.
