Cuba backs Russia, Belarus against US-led sanctions, NATO expansion
"We reaffirm once again our condemnation of NATO's aggressive agenda and its expansion to the borders of Russia. We support Russia and Belarus with respect to the unjust and politically motivated sanctions imposed by the US and its allies," the Cuban President said during a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Minsk.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel highlighted the productivity of Cuba's participation as an observer country in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) while emphasizing the significant economic and trade potential of this cooperation.
"I can confirm to you that Cuba has a strong commitment to becoming an effective partner within the [EAEU] union," President Diaz-Canel added.
Following talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk on Wednesday, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated that Cuba aims to increase its participation in EAEU activities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the European Union to significantly reduce its price cap on Russian oil while expressing dissatisfaction with the continued reliance of some EU countries on energy imports from Moscow, as discussions continue regarding the bloc's proposed 18th sanctions package against Russia.
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated on June 27 that the European Union would shortly begin drafting its 18th sanctions package against Russia. This follows the recent approval of a 17th package of sanctions on Russia, adopted on May 20 and focused on targeting 200 tankers of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet".
The newly approved package additionally incorporates asset freezes and visa restrictions for numerous additional Russian officials while introducing further measures against Russia in response to alleged hybrid attacks on EU territory.
Zelensky told the European Council that while Ukraine understands and respects the EU's lingering dependence on Russian oil, he expressed frustration over what he sees as insufficient reciprocity regarding Ukraine's needs. He noted the irony of facing political pressure from some EU leaders despite Ukraine's compliance with bloc regulations that continue enabling Russian oil exports.
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