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Russian President Vladimir Putin begins a six-day tour of Latin America on Friday (July 11), seeking greater influence in the backyard of the United States while under pressure from the West to help restrain pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine.
Putin's first stop is Cuba, the Cold War ally of the former Soviet Union situated only 90 miles (145 km) from the United States. He will also visit Argentina and Brazil for bilateral talks. While in Brazil, Putin will participate in a summit of emerging market nations that include Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Putin was scheduled to meet former President Fidel Castro and his brother and current President, Raul Castro, both long-time foes of the United States.
He travels as Western allies pressure him to urge Ukrainian rebels to find a negotiated solution.
When the Ukraine crisis erupted in February, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Sho
