Peskov: Cuban humanitarian needs must take priority

The Kremlin says the situation in Cuba is clearly escalating following a recent incident off the island’s coast. On Wednesday, Cuban security forces shot dead four exiles and wounded six others after they entered Cuban waters in a motorboat registered in Florida and, according to Havana, opened fire on a patrol vessel.

Moscow described the incident as ‘an aggressive provocation by the United States’ amid heightened tensions between Russia and Washington.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the socio-economic and humanitarian needs of the Cuban population should be given priority. He added that it was crucial that no one create obstacles to addressing humanitarian issues.

At the same time, he urged all parties to exercise restraint and warned against further provocative steps that could further destabilise the situation.

(reuters, pir)