Speaking during debates on the need to end the United States’ economic, commercial, and financial blockade against the Caribbean nation, Nebenzia noted that a state with far greater power is restricting the entry of medicines, food, and fuel to an entire population.

The Russian representative also pointed out that many states have been subjected to pressure by the United States, aimed at shifting the position of the international community.

Nebenzia highlighted that the blockade has reached unprecedented levels in just a few months; the intensification of economic, commercial, and financial punitive measures has been compounded by a fuel embargo, all with the goal of breaking the Cuban people.

The Russian diplomat stated that vessels are even being pursued in neutral waters to prevent fuel from reaching the Caribbean nation, adding that the United States appears oblivious to the humanitarian crisis into which it has plunged Cuba.

Punishing a people for having made a sovereign choice regarding their own future is a condemnable act, the Russian representative remarked, noting that despite all such unprecedented pressures, Cuba will remain committed to defending its sovereignty and independence.

Russia, along with the overwhelming majority of nations, repudiates Washington’s measures against Havana, Nebenzia concluded.

He called for an end to the inhumane blockade—intended to punish the Cuban people—and urged that the Caribbean nation be removed from the spurious list of state sponsors of terrorism.

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