The leaders of Russia and Cuba have hailed their traditional friendly ties, and slammed the United States for imposing sanctions on both countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Cuban counterpart Miguel Diaz-Canel in Moscow on Tuesday.

Putin said the Soviet Union and Russia have always supported the Cuban people in their struggle for independence and sovereignty. He said the two sides have stood against any sort of restrictions or embargoes.

Diaz-Canel responded that Russia and Cuba face a common enemy -- the United States -- that is unilaterally imposing sanctions.

The Cuban president also showed understanding for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He said Moscow has long been warning NATO that its expansion toward Russian borders is unacceptable.

Ahead of their meeting, the leaders unveiled a statue of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, who had strong ties with Soviet leaders.

Putin said he remembers discussing international order in a multipolar world with Castro, whom he called a charismatic leader.

Russia is apparently seeking stronger political and economic relations with Cuba, to counter US efforts to isolate Moscow over the invasion of Ukraine.