In an effort to restore diplomatic relations with Ukraine, Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated its commitment to enhancing bilateral ties on the 33rd anniversary of establishing relations between the two nations. "We reaffirm the desire to develop the connections between both countries," stated the Cuban Foreign Ministry on its social media platforms.
This diplomatic gesture, however, comes after years of tension resulting from Havana's support for Russia during its invasion of Ukraine. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel previously defended Russia's military actions, claiming the conflict could have been avoided if NATO and the United States had addressed Russia's security concerns.
In his statements, President Díaz-Canel did not acknowledge the human losses and destruction caused by the Russian offensive in Ukrainian territory. These stances prompted the Ukrainian government to express its "strong protest" through a diplomatic note, urging Cuba to denounce the Russian aggression and demand an end to hostilities.
Furthermore, since the onset of the war in 2022, the Ukrainian Embassy in Havana has shared numerous messages reiterating its disapproval of Cuba's stance. Despite this history of discord, the recent message from Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs could be seen as an attempt to repair diplomatic ties and usher in a new phase in the relationship between the two countries, particularly now that President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced his willingness to consider a ceasefire.
Nevertheless, the Cuban government has yet to publicly condemn the Russian invasion or alter its position on the conflict.
Understanding Cuba-Ukraine Relations
Why has Cuba faced tensions with Ukraine?
Cuba has faced tensions with Ukraine primarily due to its support for Russia during the invasion of Ukraine, which caused diplomatic strains.
Has Cuba changed its stance on the Russian invasion?
As of now, the Cuban government has not publicly condemned the Russian invasion or altered its stance regarding the conflict.