Lavrov Reiterates Russia’s Solidarity with Cuba at BRICS Meeting

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Russia's full solidarity with Cuba during the third plenary session of the BRICS ministerial meeting in New Delhi. Lavrov condemned the expansion of unilateral coercive measures, including illegitimate sanctions and asset seizures, describing them as a significant challenge to the multilateral international relations system. He specifically highlighted the adverse impact of such policies on the populations of targeted nations, citing Iran and Cuba as primary examples. The statement comes amid a deteriorating situation in Cuba, where an energy blockade imposed by the US administration in late January 2026 triggered a severe energy crisis. This crisis led to multiple national power grid failures in March, leaving the island without electricity for days, alongside acute shortages of gasoline and diesel. Consequently, several foreign airlines suspended flights to Cuba due to jet fuel scarcity. Lavrov emphasized that these actions violate principles of sovereign equality and fundamental human rights, including the right to development and food security. The BRICS meeting, chaired by India, concluded with a final statement addressing these geopolitical tensions.