MOSCOW – Russian officials are expressing concern about rising tensions surrounding Cuba following a fatal maritime confrontation that left multiple people dead and injured.
The deadly clash occurred Wednesday when Cuban military forces engaged a speedboat registered in Florida that had entered Cuban territorial waters. Four Cuban exiles were killed and six others sustained injuries during the encounter, which began when those aboard the vessel fired upon a Cuban patrol boat.
Moscow has characterized the incident as an “aggressive provocation by the United States” amid already strained relations between Russia and Washington.
During a press briefing Thursday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the need to address the underlying issues facing Cuban citizens while urging all parties to exercise caution.
“The situation around Cuba, as we can see, is heating up. The main thing is the humanitarian component. All humanitarian issues concerning Cuban citizens must be resolved, and no one should create obstacles,” Peskov stated to members of the media.
The Russian official also stressed the importance of maintaining stability in the region, adding: “As for security around the island, it is, of course, very important that everyone remain restrained and refrain from any provocative actions.”
Peskov highlighted that addressing the socio-economic and humanitarian challenges facing the Cuban population should be the top priority moving forward.
