Zakharova: Russia condemns hostile actions of the USA against Cuba

Maria Zakharova. Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia

MINSK 31 January (BelTA) – Russia condemns hostile actions of the United States against Cuba, stated Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, RIA Novosti reports citing the ministry.

“Unilateral sanctions against sovereign independent states, taken in circumvention of the UN provisions and its Charter, as well as other norms of international law, are absolutely unacceptable. We strongly condemn the illegitimate restrictive measures against Havana and the pressure exerted on the Cuban leadership and its citizens,” the diplomat stated.

Maria Zakharova described Washington’s actions as “an attempt to economically strangle Cuba.” She added that cooperation between Moscow and Havana is not directed against third countries, and Russia will continue to deepen it.

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba and declared a national security emergency citing a threat allegedly coming from Havana. The day before, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. would welcome a regime change on the island.