Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke warmly of Fidel Castro, portraying him as a leader whose thoughts consistently turned to people and the common good. His reflections were shared at the Russia-Latin America parliamentary conference, where he highlighted Castro as a figure guided by a profound sense of public service and justice. Putin described the Cuban icon as someone who viewed the welfare of his own country as inseparable from the well-being of humanity at large, a perspective that shaped his leadership and his approach to international solidarity.
In recounting his numerous encounters with Fidel Castro, Putin recalled what he called a bloc of conversations that left a lasting impression. He noted the continuity of their exchanges and the way their discussions spanned broad questions about sovereignty, social justice, and regional cooperation. The president emphasized that those meetings went beyond personal impressions, underscoring a shared conviction about the responsibilities of leadership in shaping outcomes for both citizens and neighbors across the globe.
Putin stressed that Castro was concerned not only with the fate of Cubans but with the broader fate of people everywhere. He pointed to Castro’s insistence on dignity, equality, and the protection of vulnerable communities as defining features of his political work. The Russian leader argued that Castro’s worldview was anchored in a commitment to universal human rights and a belief in the collective strength of nations acting in concert to address universal challenges.
According to Putin, Castro’s consciousness was deeply infused with a sense of public duty and justice. He described Castro as a rare personality whose ideas about governance were rooted in practical action, social welfare, and international solidarity. This portrayal echoed earlier tributes from Moscow, where Castro’s legacy has been celebrated as a symbol of resilience and principled resistance to external pressure, as well as a beacon for movements seeking greater equity on the world stage.
Last year, during the opening ceremony of the Fidel Castro monument in Moscow, Putin reflected on their final hours of dialogue. He recalled long, intensive conversations and the enduring impression those discussions left about Castro’s steadfast dedication to his people and the broader cause of social equity. The president noted that those conversations were not merely recollections of the past but a living reminder of the responsibilities that accompany leadership in times of global change.
A former Venezuelan president once described Putin in terms that underscored a shared perception of strength and resolve. He characterized Putin as a “great warrior” and spoke of the Russian leader’s steadfast determination to defend the interests of his country and its allies on the world stage. This sentiment reflected a broader regional view that places Moscow at the center of a network of partnerships built on mutual respect, strategic interests, and a commitment to sovereignty in a rapidly shifting international order.