The Russian military has invaded Ukraine, and western leaders are responding swiftly with punishing sanctions. By. IMAGE FROM WSJ.
As tensions continue to mount between Russia and Ukraine, Cuba is signaling its intention to deepen its ties with the Kremlin.
This comes after a visit from Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov last week. Borisov has been touring the region prior to his arrival in Cuba, as the official paid visits to authorities in Nicaragua and Venezuela, both historical allies of Russia.
The friendly visits haven't just been a one-way endeavor, either. Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro and Argentina's Alberto Fernandez are just two of several Latin American leaders who were invited to Moscow for discussions with President Vladimir Putin himself.
For their part, Cuban authorities say they intend to explore new bilateral opportunities in the fields of transportation, energy, banking and industry, with this renewed diplomatic closeness. Since Borisov's visit, Cuba has thrown its support behind Russia in the Ukraine border conflict. The country has also been doing its part when it comes to the rhetorical war Russia has been fighting with Western interests, accusing the U.S. and its allies of targeting Moscow with propaganda and unilateral sanctions.
Analysts believe that all this recent outreach is closely related to the Ukraine issue.
Just this past Saturday, Mr. Putin reportedly ordered exercises by Russia’s strategic nuclear missile forces.
Russia early Thursday launched an offensive on Ukraine, attacking the country from the air, land and sea.
