Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev arrives in Cuba this Thursday, at a time when the island is going through a new economic crisis while under new pressure from the United States. Havana has been crippled by US sanctions intended to stop third parties from doing business with the Caribbean island or shipping fuel to the country amid the crisis. However, Trump’s hard-handed approach has seen Moscow swoop in on the crisis stricken countries in Latin America and assert diplomatic control. Now, with Cuba in a desperate situation, depleted of oil and struggling to power the country, Putin has agreed a nuclear pact and new trade ties with Havana in an effort to further undermine Trump. A statement from the Russian government this week signalled that the countries will sign accords and commercial agreements.
According to the Russian governmental official, no less than £500million of borrowed capital may be invested into the project of major overhaul of ten power generation units at three thermal power plants in Cuba.
Medvedev, who is making his third trip to Cuba, is scheduled to meet with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, tour an energy project on the outskirts of the capital and see restoration work on Havana’s emblematic capitol building, whose golden dome came thanks to a donation from Moscow.
The Russian Prime Minister’s meeting with the Cuban President coincides with toughening US sanctions.
One recent measure was the creation of a blacklist of shipping companies to punish those that deliver petroleum.
Cuba produces around 42,000 barrels of oil a day, but it has a daily deficit of 62,000 barrels that is filled primarily by Venezuela, also a close partner of Russia.
Shortages have provoked long lines at petrol stations, problems with public transportation and increased use of animal-powered vehicles.
There have also been prolonged shortages of food and other goods.
Washington’s stated objective is to suffocate the island economically, pressuring for a change to Cuba’s political system and, in addition, sap Venezuela’s socialist government of an ally.
Trump’s devastating embargoes on Venezuela have had a direct impact on Cuba, as Havana enjoys has close trade ties with Caracas.
The US President is looking to apply pressure in order to oust President Nicolas Maduro.
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In a last ditched attempt to sway the tide Guaido’s way, Trump has tripled pro-democracy aid, diverting funds directly into training a prospective Guaido government.
Aside from the Americas, Putin has also caused Trump grief in NATO- selling missiles to supposed US allies Turkey, and also in Syria where US objectives to challenge the regime of Bashar al Assad have been scuppered by Putin backing.