In recent months, Russia has intensified its engagements with countries in South and Central America, leveraging longstanding friendly relations dating back to the Soviet era with certain regional states. However, following the breakdown of collective relations with the West in recent years and Russia’s realization that reverting to previous forms of engagement with the European Union, the United States, and other countries is unlikely, Moscow has opted to reassess its foreign policy directions. Alongside its focus on Asian and African nations, Latin America has emerged as a higher priority than Europe and North America.
Russia’s special relations with Cuba and Venezuela are particularly noteworthy. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently visited both countries, which maintain strong ties with Russia in Latin America. The strategic location of these Caribbean nations is crucial, given their proximity to the United States, which raises concerns in Washington. Military strategists in the U.S. have noted that Russia could potentially disrupt the Gulf of Mexico by deploying strategic missiles and aircraft in Cuba and Venezuela, potentially severing significant trade and economic supply routes (given that over 60% of goods transit through the Gulf of Mexico). However, this scenario remains more of an American concern, as Russia possesses hypersonic weapons deployable from various ships and submarines in direct conflict scenarios with the U.S.
While Russia is naturally interested in enhancing security cooperation with Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, these countries’ defiance in both foreign and domestic policies has angered the United States. Military-technical cooperation has notably intensified, evidenced by defense sector visits from these countries to Russia over the past two years. Nicaragua, for instance, was among the first Latin American countries to grant Russia rights to use its territory for hosting GLONASS satellite system elements, providing an alternative to the U.S.-run GPS system. Concurrently, Russian efforts to develop alternative mechanisms to Western financial and banking models, such as introducing the MIR payment cards last year in Cuba and Venezuela, are expanding banking operations in these regions, potentially serving as a pilot for other countries.
In Venezuela, bilateral cooperation focuses on overcoming U.S. sanctions, agricultural projects, oil production, and pharmaceuticals, with promising ventures in space exploration and nuclear energy. The recent establishment of a multi-functional scientific nuclear center in El Alto, Bolivia, with assistance from Russia’s ROSATOM, underscores potential collaborations in rural product improvement, pharmaceuticals, and lithium production—Bolivia being a leading producer of this rare earth metal.
Overall, Russia’s relations with Latin America are shaped by specific characteristics of each state, guided by geopolitical realities. Despite lacking widespread diplomatic representation in several Caribbean nations, Russia’s general diplomacy offers substantial assistance across Latin America. The region’s indigenous populations share cultural and ethnic ties with Russia, fostering mutual understanding despite diverse backgrounds. Both Russia and Latin America seek to build a multipolar global order, each with distinct integration projects—Eurasian Economic Union and Mercosur respectively—while maintaining relations within local alliances like ALBA, which includes 11 member states with distinctive ties to Russia.
Unlike historical colonial or aggressive policies toward newly independent Latin American nations, subjected previously to external dominance and military interventions, Russia currently pursues a non-interventionist principle and mutual respect for each other’s interests in its cooperation with Latin American states. This stance serves as a positive example for other nations to follow.
In conclusion, these dynamics lay a solid foundation for a long-term strategic partnership between Latin American countries and the Russian Federation. Participation in multilateral projects such as BRICS Plus further enhances these ties. While Argentina has currently abstained from joining this international club, Venezuela’s imminent accession reflects ongoing developments likely to be finalized at this year’s summit in Russia. Mutual respect for each other’s interests and the non-interference principle in cooperation between Latin American countries and Russia present a compelling model for others to emulate.
