Overview
- Russia published the ratification decree after President Vladimir Putin signed it into law, putting the agreement into effect.
- The accord sets a legal framework that defines objectives, areas and modalities of military collaboration between Moscow and Havana and provides protections for Russian personnel operating in Cuba under Cuban law.
- Lawmakers in the State Duma approved the ratification on October 7 following intergovernmental signings on March 13 in Havana and March 19 in Moscow.
- Duma Defense Committee chair Andrei Kartapolov said a new chief of Russian military advisers has arrived in Cuba, indicating increased technical and military advising.
- Rossiskaya Gazeta reported the negotiations were kept non-public, and coverage highlights the pact’s importance for Cuba given U.S. sanctions and pressure from the Trump administration.