Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev kicked off an official two-day visit to Cuba on Thursday in a strong show of Russia's support for the communist-run island as it faces escalating pressure from the United States and resulting fuel shortages.
Medvedev laid a wreath of flowers at the memorial to independence hero Jose Marti on Havana's Revolution Square before meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and starting official talks. He was due to make a statement to the media later on Thursday.
The former Soviet Union was Cuba's main backer for decades and Moscow has sought to renew its commercial, military and political ties with the island in recent years. The effort is part of Russia's broader strategy to expand its presence in Latin America as a counterweight to China and the United States.