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Russia's Medvedev Slams US for Cuba Embargo During Havana Trip

Reuters

   HAVANA/MOSCOW - Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev lambasted the
   Trump administration on Thursday for trying to create a "toxic
   atmosphere" around Cuba, during a two-day trip to the island
   demonstrating Russia's support for its Communist government.

   The former Soviet Union was Cuba's main backer for decades and Moscow
   has sought to renew its commercial, military and political ties with
   the island in recent years. The effort is part of Russia's broader
   strategy to expand its presence in Latin America as a counterweight to
   China and the United States.

   While Russia's support for Cuba is insignificant compared to the role
   the Soviet Union once played, it is still welcome as the island's
   economy is suffering from a tightening of the decades-old U.S. trade
   embargo and a steep decline in Venezuelan aid.

   Medvedev's visit - the highest profile Russian tour since that of
   President Vladimir Putin in 2014 - is also symbolically important,
   showing Cuba has still has powerful allies that will help it resist
   U.S. pressure.

   "(The U.S.) desire to create a toxic atmosphere around cooperation with
   the island, to scare off investors and create an energetic blockade is
   obvious," Medvedev told reporters after holding official talks with
   Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and agreeing to strengthen strategic
   cooperation.

   "But Cuba's experience resisting the blockade for nearly 60 years shows
   that this policy will fail."

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