The Cuban leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, arrived in Moscow this Tuesday to participate in the military parade for Victory Day, which commemorates the defeat of Nazism, but Vladimir Putin was not present upon his arrival.
Instead, Díaz-Canel was received by the Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Ryabkov, and by a representative of the Russian state protocol, in a scene that, beyond being symbolic, highlights the subordinate position of the Cuban regime in its increasingly asymmetric relationship with the Kremlin.
Despite the official media outlet Granma attempting to add a sense of gravity to the Cuban leader's trip by highlighting that “he arrives in the Russian Federation, among other reasons, to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations,” the international context surrounding this journey raises significant questions.
In the midst of the Russia-Ukraine war, an invasion condemned by the majority of the international community, Havana insists on strengthening ties with a regime marked by war crimes and increasing diplomatic isolation.
The speech from Granma also emphasizes that Díaz-Canel will participate in the traditional military parade in Red Square, and that he will pay tribute to Fidel Castro at a statue located in the Moscow neighborhood of Sokol.
The visit comes after a brief 24-hour stop in St. Petersburg, also described by the authorities as “an intensive agenda,” without providing concrete details about agreements or tangible benefits for the country.
In Russian foreign policy, Putin reserves the gesture of receiving heads of state for first-tier strategic allies.
It is enough to remember that in September 2023, during the visit of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Putin personally welcomed him at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, in the Russian Far East.
That meeting was carefully choreographed. There were tours of space facilities, an official lunch, toasts exchanged, and mutual promises of cooperation in military and technological matters.
This arrangement is not coincidental. In other high-profile visits, such as that of Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2023 or that of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2024, Putin also did not appear at the airport, but in both cases, the reception was led by higher-ranking officials than Ryabkov, such as Deputy Prime Ministers Dmitry Chernyshenko and Denis Manturov, respectively.
The reception given to Díaz-Canel can therefore be interpreted as a clear signal that the Cuban government does not hold a priority position in Russia's hierarchy of strategic allies, despite the official rhetoric of "historical brotherhood."
The dependence of Cuba on Russia, both economically, politically, and symbolically has deepened without clear evidence that this alliance has brought relief to the Cuban population.
With daily blackouts, chronic shortages, and record migration, the country is experiencing a social emergency that seems to find no solutions in the Moscow forums and parades.
Far from being honored, Díaz-Canel arrived in Russia as a junior partner, sidelined in the protocol and with no clear signs that this visit will bring tangible benefits to alleviate the severe internal crisis affecting millions of Cubans.
Frequently asked questions about Díaz-Canel's visit to Russia and his relationship with Putin
Why did Miguel Díaz-Canel visit Russia?
Miguel Díaz-Canel visited Russia to take part in the military parade for Victory Day, which commemorates the defeat of Nazism. Additionally, his visit takes place within the framework of the 65th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Russia, against the backdrop of strengthening strategic ties between the two countries, despite Russia's current war against Ukraine.
How was Díaz-Canel received in Moscow?
Díaz-Canel was received by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Ryabkov, and by a protocol official from the Russian state, which highlights Cuba's subordinate position in its relationship with Russia. The absence of Vladimir Putin at the reception is a sign that Cuba is not regarded as a priority strategic ally by the Kremlin.
What is the international context of Díaz-Canel's visit to Russia?
The visit of Díaz-Canel occurs in a context of strong international isolation of Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine, a conflict condemned by the majority of the international community. Despite this, the Cuban regime has decided to strengthen ties with Russia, a regime noted for war crimes. This stance reflects a deepening of Cuba's political and economic dependence on Moscow.
What does the relationship between Cuba and Russia imply for Cuban society?
The relationship between Cuba and Russia translates into an economic and political dependence that has not brought clear benefits to the Cuban population. The alliance has deepened during a time of social crisis in Cuba, marked by blackouts, shortages, and record migration. Díaz-Canel's visit does not seem to offer concrete solutions to alleviate the severe internal crisis affecting millions of Cubans.
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