RUSSIA PERSPECTIVE

Moscow, June 7. Russian coverage of the Cuban file is codified and performative. TASS publishes "US blockade of Cuba constitutes interference in internal affairs — Russian State Duma": the Russian State Duma votes a formal declaration qualifying the American blockade as "interference in internal affairs" of Cuba. It is a ritual act — the Duma has done this since the 1960s — but it carries diplomatic value in 2026: it marks that Moscow keeps protecting its relationship with Havana within the multipolar architecture it promotes at BRICS+. Sputnik publishes "US Tightens Noose on Cuba, Claims It Just Wants the Island to 'Feed Its People'" — ironic quote marks on "feed its people," a phrase used by an American spokesperson. The editorial device is to turn American humanitarian rhetoric against itself. TASS, earlier in May, had published "Russia reiterates support for Cuba amid external pressure — Lavrov": a formal declaration by the Russian foreign minister reiterating support. The military or operational coverage stays dry — Moscow proposes no material guarantees to Havana, and it is worth noting: support is verbal, not material. That is precisely what the Cuban press itself bitterly retains: Moscow defends Cuba rhetorically but does not send oil, organizes no airlift, deploys no instructors. For Russia, Cuba is a useful symbol in the multipolar narrative, not an ally to which real resources are dedicated.