At the reception on February 18, President Putin affirmed that Russia always supports Cuba in the struggle for independence and the right to develop on its own path. Mr. Putin emphasized that Moscow always supports the Cuban people and maintains the long-standing special relationship between the two countries.
The Russian leader also condemned the US restrictions on the Cuban economy as "completely unacceptable", affirming that Russia opposes these moves "clearly and decisively".
According to the Kremlin, Foreign Minister Parrilla thanked Russia for its special solidarity and indomitability in the current difficult period.
Cuba is facing one of the most serious fuel crises in many years after the oil embargo and other US restrictions sharply reduced fuel imports, making the shortage situation serious.
The island nation has experienced widespread power outages and fuel shortages due to pressure campaigns from the US, including tax threats against countries that continue to supply oil to Cuba.
Last week, the Russian Embassy in Havana said that Moscow is preparing to send a shipment of oil and oil products to Cuba to help solve the shortage situation.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized the US's increased pressure on Havana, saying it was an act of economic strangulation.
China also expressed support for Cuba's sovereignty and national security.
Last month, US President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency in relations with Cuba, and said that economic pressure would force Cuban leaders to sit down at the negotiating table and reach an agreement.
Mr. Trump described Cuba's relations with Russia, China, Iran, the Palestinian armed movement Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon as a national security threat to the US.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel rejected the requests from Washington and declared his willingness for dialogue "on the basis of equality and respect".
Meanwhile, according to Axios newspaper, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is said to be conducting secret exchanges with Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro - grandson of former Cuban leader Raul Castro. These exchanges are said not to be through official channels of the Cuban government.
A senior US official said that the current exchanges are "discussions about the future" rather than official negotiations.
