Cuba's Allies Rally Around It Amid U.S. Pressure

0:00I'm Cory with the story, bringing you the latest from around the world. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez reached out by phone to his counterparts in Russia and China this past Thursday. This came just three days after U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that Cuba was in deep trouble. Trump mentioned that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was handling the matter, hinting at what might be a friendly takeover. Cuba has been dealing with widespread blackouts and fuel shortages, largely due to a long standing U.S. oil embargo. These issues have put serious strain on the island nation's daily life and economy. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov backed Cuba strongly during the call, which Cuba initiated. He called the U.S. economic and political pressure unacceptable and voiced support for Cuba's sovereignty and right to its own development path. Earlier that day, Russian spokeswoman Maria Zakharova slammed Trump's words as blackmail and threats against Moscow's longtime ally. Rodriguez had visited Moscow last month, meeting both President Vladimir Putin and Lavrov,

1:05who labeled the restrictions on Cuba unacceptable. Meanwhile, Rodriguez requested a talk with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two sides agreed to keep strengthening, thereby lateral ties, amid the ongoing tensions. Diannan is brought to you by our sponsor link in the description. It is a pillow that plays your podcast and music without earbuds, built for listening in bed, S-O-L-I-S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.