Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denounced Western sanctions imposed on Moscow over the crisis in Ukraine today, saying they lacked "all common sense."
"We reject sanctions in any form, in particular those sanctions adopted by the United States and the European Union," he said, at a meeting here with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez.
The top Russian diplomat's comments came as Moscow accused Washington of bringing back "Iron Curtain" policies in the showdown over the former Soviet republic and as the West slapped fresh sanctions against key figures -- including Russia's military chief.
"We stand for the speedy settlement of this crisis," said Lavrov, speaking through an interpreter.
"A national dialogue that takes into account the views of all regions of the country is the only way forward."
Referring to the fall of former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, Lavrov thanked Cuba for its "firm support for the Russian position on the Ukraine crisis generated by the coup supported by Western powers."
Lavrov gained a resounding endorsement for the Russian position from Rodriguez, who said Cuba "energetically rejects" the sanctions.
Moscow and Havana were close allies for 30 years during the Cold War, until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
After a rift under former Russian president Boris Yeltsin, the two resumed political and economic ties, as well as military cooperation.
While his meeting with Rodriguez was the only confirmed event of his stay on the communist island, Lavrov was also expected to meet with Cuban President Raul Castro.
Lavrov was scheduled to travel from Havana to the Peruvian capital Lima.
