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Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned ongoing US efforts to impose a fuel embargo on Cuba.

Getting into it: During a meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez in Moscow, Putin made clear that Russia rejects the United States tightening restrictions, stating, “You know how we feel about this; we will not accept anything of the sort.” Referring to what he described as “a special period with new sanctions,” Putin said Russia’s stance has been expressed “openly, clearly, and unambiguously” through its Foreign Ministry. He added that Russia had a“special” relationship with Cuba and always “stood by Cuba in its struggle for independence.“

The high-level talks in Moscow also included Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who called on the US to “show sound judgment and a responsible approach” and refrain from imposing a naval blockade on the island. Rodriguez, for his part, warned that US actions threaten national sovereignty and said Cuba would “resolutely move forward in protecting its independence and sovereignty,” while remaining ready for “a respectful dialogue on equal terms.”

The discussions come as Cuba faces blackouts and acute fuel shortages, conditions widely described as a deepening humanitarian crisis after key suppliers halted shipments amid threats from the US to impose sanctions on any countries that supplied oil to Cuba. Amid the worsening crisis, the Russian Embassy in Havana announced plans to begin shipments of oil and petroleum products to Cuba as humanitarian assistance.

Trump is reportedly seeking significant political concessions, potentially centered on regime change, before allowing oil to flow freely to the island again.

There’s been no comment from the US. More to come.