Cuba’s deputy foreign minister says the United States has become increasingly aggressive toward his country, with President Trump threatening a military takeover and the U.S. government pursuing a blockade that has caused blackouts, food shortages and water scarcity affecting millions of Cubans.
Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, spoke with reporters during a visit to Washington, D.C., where he attended the U.N. General Assembly. His comments came as tensions between the two countries continue to rise, with the U.S. increasing economic pressure and military threats while Cuba maintains official channels of communication through its embassy in Washington.
The Blockade’s Cost
The de facto oil blockade has created a humanitarian crisis on the island. Hours-long blackouts are worsening due to the blockade, and the lack of electricity is causing food to spoil and prices to rise. Water shortages are also reported.
Fernández de Cossío described the situation in stark terms. He said the U.S. wants to induce a humanitarian crisis in Cuba, framing the policy as a deliberate effort to create suffering on the island.
The blockade has had a direct effect on daily life for Cubans. Without electricity, refrigerators stop working, and food spoils quickly. The shortages are widespread, affecting millions of people.
Trump’s Threats
Trump has publicly threatened a military takeover of Cuba. Those statements have added to the tension between the two governments, though no military action has followed.
The threat of takeover comes alongside the economic pressure. Fernández de Cossío noted that U.S. officials have said “nothing is off the table” regarding action against Cuba, indicating a willingness to consider a wide range of options.
The combination of threats and sanctions has created a volatile environment. Cuba has responded by emphasizing its willingness to talk, even as it criticizes the U.S. approach.
Talks That Aren’t Moving
Despite the tensions, Cuba maintains official channels of communication with the U.S. through its embassy in Washington. Meetings have occurred between Cuban officials and U.S. representatives, though the frequency and timing of those meetings remain unclear.
Fernández de Cossío declined to specify when the last direct talks took place. He said talks are not closed or suspended but have shown no progress.
By his definition, progress would involve the U.S. ceasing new sanctions. That standard sets a high bar, as the U.S. continues to impose new restrictions on Cuba.
The lack of progress is a central frustration for Cuba. The country remains willing to engage, but the U.S. approach has not changed.
The U.S. Position
The U.S. administration’s public stance includes threats of takeover and sanctions. The rhetoric has continued.
The blockade is a key issue. The U.S. government’s announcements of new sanctions and coercive measures come at regular intervals, according to Fernández de Cossío.
The policy has been described by Cuba as “an international crime.” Cuba uses that term to describe the collective punishment inflicted on the Cuban people.
What Cuba Wants
Cuba’s position is clear: it wants the U.S. to stop imposing new sanctions. Until then, it sees no path forward.
Fernández de Cossío’s refusal to specify the timing of the last direct talks suggests a lack of urgency on the U.S. side. The meetings exist, but they are not producing results.
Cuba’s willingness to talk is notable. Despite the hostile environment, the country has kept lines open, even as it criticizes the U.S. approach.
The Human Cost
The people paying the price are the Cubans themselves. Blackouts mean no refrigeration, no clean water and no stable access to basic goods.
The shortages are not abstract. They affect families across the island, and the government is pointing directly at the U.S. as the cause.
The blockade has created hardship for Cubans, with food spoiling and families struggling to keep machines running.
The Pattern of Engagement
Fernández de Cossío’s visit to Washington is part of a pattern of engagement. Cuban officials attend the U.N. General Assembly and visit the embassy in Washington.
The meetings have not resolved anything. The U.S. has not lifted sanctions, and the talks have shown no progress.
The talks are not dead, but they are not productive either. Both sides are maintaining contact.
Where the paper stands
The paper backs neither side and instead supports keeping the channels of communication open between the two governments, rejecting both military threats and blockades that punish ordinary people. The U.S. should stop imposing new sanctions and lift the de facto oil blockade, which is causing blackouts, food shortages and water scarcity affecting millions of Cubans. Cuba should continue to engage diplomatically rather than closing its doors, even as it criticizes the U.S. approach.
The paper opposes concentrations of power and foreign entanglements that hurt ordinary people, and the blockade is precisely such an abuse of power. It punishes the Cuban people for politics beyond their control, and the shortages are widespread and real. The paper also backs the deal over the standoff, and keeping official channels open is the deal, however imperfect it may be.
Readers should watch for any sign that either side moves past threats and sanctions toward actual negotiation. The U.S. should stop imposing new restrictions, and Cuba should keep its doors open for talks. The blockade is an international crime, and the people paying for it are the Cubans themselves.
Key Facts
- The U.S. has imposed a de facto oil blockade on Cuba.
- Blackouts are worsening, causing food to spoil and water shortages.
- Food is expensive.
- Millions of Cubans are affected.
- Trump has threatened a military takeover of Cuba.
- U.S. officials have said “nothing is off the table” regarding action against Cuba.
- Cuba maintains official channels of communication through its embassy in Washington.
- Meetings have occurred between Cuban officials and U.S. representatives.
- Talks are not closed or suspended but have shown no progress.
- Cuba describes the U.S. policy of collective punishment as “an international crime.”
“That is our main point.”
The story is a snapshot of a deteriorating relationship. The U.S. is applying pressure, and Cuba is absorbing it.
The blockade is the tool, and the people are the target. The question is how long Cuba can hold.
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