Putin to hold talks with visiting Cuban Foreign Minister amid U.S. blockade of island — reports

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez in Moscow, highlighting Russia’s support for Cuba amid the ongoing U.S. blockade. The Kremlin emphasized its commitment to assisting Cuba during this challenging period.

Felix Light/Reuters

February 18, 2026

Putin to hold talks with visiting Cuban Foreign Minister amid U.S. blockade of island — reports

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with the Head of the Republic of Ingushetia, Makhmud-Ali Kalimatov, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, February 17, 2026.

Sputnik/Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Reuters

Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with Bruno Rodriguez, the Cuban foreign minister, later on Wednesday in Moscow, the Kremlin said, saying the meeting had special significance given the U.S. blockade of the island.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia's opposition to the blockade was well known and that it was trying to help Cuba in a difficult situation.

-Felix Light/Reuters