It seems a case of Putin poking the bear given America has ignored Cuba’s efforts all these years at ending the 65 year trade war. Russia’s presence in Cuba hardly seems an economic boon given Russia’s economic limitations. Putin is sending his troops into the Ukraine on horses.

In this context, the new Russian policies in Cuba must be viewed with considerable skepticism. The possible contributions of the Russian Federation do not appear likely to rise to the level of Cuban needs, at least in what concerns its economy. Besides, it raises the possibility that Russian initiatives will translate into the adoption of a racket-ridden state capitalism on the island, with a qualitative increase in corruption and social crisis.

Source: The New Russian Presence in Cuba | The Smirking Chimp