In an exclusive interview for Cubavisión and RT in Spanish, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel reaffirms that the Soviet Union saved humanity from fascism and denounces attempts to distort history.

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On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War and the defeat of Nazism, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel gave a special interview on the Mesa Redonda program on Cubavisión, broadcast in collaboration with RT in Spanish. During this conversation with journalists Arleen Rodríguez Derivet and Aliana Nieves, Díaz-Canel paid tribute to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) for its decisive role in the victory over fascism, highlighting the sacrifice of the Soviet people and the importance of preserving historical memory against current distortions.

A Heroic Sacrifice That Changed History

Díaz-Canel recalled that the USSR not only defended its territorial integrity and sovereignty but, with its victory, saved humanity from a genocidal and murderous regime like fascism, paying an immense human and material cost. According to the president, at least 26.6 million Soviet citizens lost their lives, 1,710 cities were destroyed, more than 70,000 villages were razed, and over 32,000 factories were lost. This sacrifice, he emphasized, must be recognized and valued by the entire world.

The Cuban president highlighted a lesser-known aspect of the era: the USSR continued developing science and technology even amid the war. Díaz-Canel described as “visionary” the Soviet Union’s achievement of conquering space in less than 20 years with Yuri Gagarin’s pioneering flight aboard the Vostok-1 spacecraft on April 12, 1961, a milestone symbolizing socialist progress and resilience in difficult times.

During the interview, Díaz-Canel denounced the growing attempt by imperialist powers to diminish the value and leading role of the USSR and the Red Army in the victory over fascism. “Increasingly, there is less talk about the USSR, less about the Red Army, and instead more about the Allies, more about England, France, and the United States,” he noted. He specifically criticized recent statements by former President Donald Trump, who claimed that the United States contributed the most to the victory without mentioning the USSR. For Díaz-Canel, this manipulation is “criminal” and a threat to the historical memory of peoples.

Cuban leader Diaz-Canel blasts Trump's downplaying of USSR's main role in defeating Nazism

Stresses such ideas are shared by those who “created Russophobia, support genocide in Palestine, encouraged NATO expansion and blockade of Cuba” https://t.co/5BJnlA1HW4 pic.twitter.com/gVl3Y1kWP4

— RT (@RT_com) May 8, 2025

Solidarity and Unity Against Current Threats

The Cuban leader linked the resurgence of neo-fascism to the crisis of neoliberalism and the imperialist desire to maintain hegemony. He explained that these ultra-conservative and far-right currents use media and social networks to spread their ideas. In response, Díaz-Canel reaffirmed the need for unity, cooperation, and international solidarity to face these challenges, reminding that “peoples who deny their history are destined to disappear.”

In the interview, Díaz-Canel recalled that May 8 marks the 65th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic ties between Cuba and Russia. He highlighted the “nostalgia” many Cubans feel for the Soviet era and stressed that relations between the two countries today are “excellent.” He emphasized the high level of political dialogue, constant exchanges of high-level delegations, and common positions on the international stage. Additionally, he thanked Russia for its consistent defense of Cuba against the economic, financial, and commercial blockade imposed by the United States, as well as for condemning anti-Russian sanctions and NATO’s aggressive expansion.

The Cuban President underscored President Vladimir Putin’s sensitivity and understanding of Cuba’s reality, as well as his willingness to cooperate and assist the island in these complex times. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to strengthen economic and commercial relations for mutual benefit.

Finally, the Cuban President reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to defending historical truth and the memory of Soviet and Cuban combatants who fought against fascism. On the eve of May 9, Victory Day, Díaz-Canel expressed that Cuba will be present “out of conviction, without fear, supporting what is just, defending what is just,” sending a message of resistance and international solidarity.

This exclusive interview reaffirms the anti-imperialist and solidarity vision that unites Cuba and Russia and underscores the importance of preserving historical memory to confront present threats and build a future of justice and peace.

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