Thousands of Cubans gathered outside the US embassy in Havana in support of former president Raúl Castro after Washington filed charges linked to the 1996 shootdown of Brothers to the Rescue aircraft. The demonstration, attended by senior Cuban officials, came as Russia reaffirmed what it called full solidarity with Cuba, deepening the geopolitical dispute around the island.
A public show of unity
The rally was organised after the US indictment of Castro and several Cuban military figures. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero and members of Castro’s family attended, while demonstrators used revolutionary slogans to reject the charges and defend Cuban sovereignty.
The US accusation
The case relates to the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft operated by Cuban exile group Brothers to the Rescue, in which four people were killed. Washington’s move has sharply escalated tensions with Havana, while Cuba has described the indictment as politically motivated and without legitimate jurisdiction.
Russia enters the dispute
Moscow condemned the US action and accused Washington of using sanctions, threats and judicial pressure against Cuba. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia stood in full solidarity with Havana and opposed what she described as interference in the affairs of a sovereign state.
A wider geopolitical signal
The dispute comes at a time when Cuba is under severe economic strain, including shortages, blackouts and tighter external pressure. For Russia, backing Havana is also a message to Washington that Moscow remains active in the Western Hemisphere, particularly where US policy is seen as coercive.
What comes next
The immediate legal impact of the indictment may be limited, as Castro remains in Cuba and is unlikely to face US jurisdiction. Politically, however, the case has revived Cold War-era tensions and strengthened Havana’s domestic narrative of resistance. The risk is that legal action, sanctions and military rhetoric could further narrow the space for diplomacy.
Newshub Editorial in Latin America – 28 May 2026
If you have an account with ChatGPT you get deeper explanations,
background and context related to what you are reading.
Open an account:
Open an account
Recent Comments