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Starting in 2026, Cuban cadets from the Civil Defense will begin training at the Civil Protection Academy of the Russian Ministry of Emergencies (EMERCOM), as part of a bilateral agreement between Havana and Moscow regarding defense and civil security.
According to the official site of the Russian Ministry of Emergencies, a delegation from the Cuban embassy in Moscow, led by military, naval, and air attaché Mónica Milián Gómez and her assistant Leonides Gerardo Rodríguez Abreu, made an official visit to the academy, where the foundations of the new training program were discussed.
During the meeting, both parties agreed to expand the complementary training programs and establish the admission of Cuban cadets to the faculty of training for foreign specialists, which will begin to be implemented in 2026.
The plan includes both higher education and additional professional training, focused on managing crisis situations and emergencies.
The visit included a tour of the crisis management training center, specialized classrooms, simulators for drone operators, sports facilities, dormitories, and other campus amenities, with the aim of showcasing the technological and educational infrastructure of the academy to the Cuban representatives.
This approach is the result of prior negotiations between EMERCOM, the Russian agency Emercom, and the Cuban embassy.
In November 2024, during a visit by Russian officials to the island, Havana expressed its interest in training specialists at that institution.
The cooperation between the two countries in the area of civil defense is part of a broader context of strategic rapprochement, in which Moscow has intensified its presence in Latin America as a counterbalance to Western influence, while the Cuban regime seeks political, economic, and military support in light of its increasing international isolation.
During the first months of 2025, the Cuban regime's dependence on Russia has become increasingly evident, through a series of diplomatic visits, energy agreements, and promises of economic assistance.
The president of the National Assembly of People's Power, Esteban Lazo Hernández, recently traveled to Moscow to lead the second session of the bilateral parliamentary commission between Cuba and Russia.
The meeting aimed to strengthen economic and political ties with the Kremlin at a time when the Caribbean country is facing a deep financial crisis. During the meeting, Lazo reaffirmed the Cuban government's interest in expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, science, and finance, and paved the way for a visit by Miguel Díaz-Canel to Moscow scheduled for May.
Previously, Russian media announced that Moscow is willing to "help Cuba survive the crisis", a statement that experts interpreted as a reaffirmation of the strategic alliance. The announcement coincided with increasing internal pressure on the Havana government, which is seeking energy guarantees, investments, and basic supplies to contain the structural deterioration of its economy.
This energy dependency was reflected in a specific operation that took place last February, when Cuba received a shipment of 790,000 barrels of oil from Russia.
The Liberian-flagged ship "Primorye" unloaded fuel at the port of Matanzas after departing from a Russian terminal, allowing the regime to alleviate the acute shortage of crude oil affecting the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Training of Cuban Cadets in Russia
Why will the cadets of the Civil Defense of Cuba be trained in Russia?
Cuban cadets will be trained in Russia as part of a bilateral agreement on defense and civil security between Cuba and Russia. This program aims to enhance the training of Cuban cadets in crisis and emergency management, taking advantage of the technological and educational infrastructure of the Russian Academy of Civil Protection.
What does the training program for Cuban cadets in Russia include?
The training program includes both higher education and additional professional training, focusing on managing crisis situations and emergencies. Cuban cadets will have access to drone operator simulators, sports facilities, and specialized classrooms, which will allow them to receive comprehensive training in civil defense.
How is the training of Cuban cadets in Russia framed within the relationship between the two countries?
The training of Cuban cadets in Russia is part of a broader strategic rapprochement between the two countries, which includes cooperation in energy, culture, and education. This agreement strengthens Russia's presence in Latin America and provides Cuba with political, economic, and military support in a context of increasing international isolation.
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