Russians have a penchant for Cuban cigars, partly thanks to the fact there are no smoking bans inside bars, clubs and restaurants.

Cuban cigar sales are strong throughout Russia, with the Casa de Habanos store in Moscow particularly popular. The unique aroma of Cubans can be distinguished at some of the rum-only bars, such as St. Martin in St. Petersburg.

With bilateral trade figures relatively small between Cuba and Russia, plans are in place between the two countries to develop and support each other more. Cuba exports fruits, rum and sugar products while Russia’s main exports to Cuba are power equipment and transport.

They have been allies for a very long time so understand each other, with the United States a thorn in the side of each nation.

The US placed a trade embargo on Cuba following Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution, and imposed sanctions on Russia for its illegal war on Ukraine.

Due to the development of Russian investment into Cuba, the increase in tourism and export trade development, Russian investments into real estate and support businesses for Russians in Cuba are expected to accelerate.

With Cuban cigars big business, the industry will soon again be able to thrive courtesy of agriculture and tourism being among Russia’s important areas of cooperation.