Cuba’s government struck a defiant tone after President Donald Trump declared the island would no longer receive oil or financial support from Venezuela, escalating already tense U.S.-Cuba relations.
Trump Vows to Halt Energy Lifeline
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said there would be “no more oil or money going to Cuba,” urging the communist-run island to strike a deal with Washington. He accused Cuba of surviving for years on Venezuelan support and warned it should negotiate “before it is too late.”
The comments come as Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba have already stopped following a U.S. blockade and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.
Cuban Leadership Rejects U.S. Pressure
President Miguel Díaz-Canel dismissed Trump’s remarks, insisting Cuba would not be coerced. He said the U.S. lacked moral authority and stressed that Cuba is prepared to defend its sovereignty “to the last drop of blood.”
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez echoed that stance, saying Cuba has the right to import fuel from any willing supplier and denying claims that Havana received financial compensation for security services abroad.
Energy Dependence and Growing Strain
Venezuela remains Cuba’s largest oil supplier, exporting about 26,500 barrels per day last year — roughly half of the island’s oil deficit. However, shipments have declined as Venezuela’s refining capacity has weakened.
Mexico has recently emerged as an alternative supplier, though volumes remain limited. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico has not significantly increased exports but acknowledged its growing importance amid Venezuela’s turmoil.
Economic Crisis Deepens on the Island
Cuba’s fragile energy supply has worsened daily life. Rolling blackouts leave much of the population without electricity for hours, even in Havana. Shortages of food, fuel and medicine have fueled public frustration and driven a record number of Cubans to emigrate in recent years.
Some residents voiced resilience, while others called for urgent change. “There’s nothing here,” said one Havana resident, citing the lack of electricity and gas. “A change is needed, and quickly.”
U.S. Intelligence Sees No Imminent Collapse
Despite Trump’s claims that Cuba is “ready to fall,” U.S. intelligence assessments reportedly suggest the government remains under severe strain but not on the brink of collapse. Analysts warn that a permanent loss of Venezuelan oil would make governing significantly more difficult for Díaz-Canel’s administration.
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