Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez declared on Friday that Cuba will not yield to political pressure from the United States, responding to recent comments made by President Donald Trump, who encouraged Havana’s regime to "make a deal before it’s too late."
Addressing a crowd at the Anti-Imperialist Tribune in Cuba's capital, Díaz-Canel emphasized that if Cuba were attacked, it would "fight with the same ferocity inherited from generations of brave Cuban fighters, from the 19th-century wars of independence, the Sierra Maestra, the clandestine struggle and Africa in the 20th century, to Caracas in the 21st century."
He stated unequivocally, "There is no surrender or possible capitulation, nor any kind of understanding based on coercion or intimidation."
"Cuba does not need to make any political concessions, nor will that ever be on the negotiation table for an understanding between Cuba and the United States. We are always open to dialogue, but on equal footing and with mutual respect," he added.
In his speech, Díaz-Canel harshly criticized Washington, accusing President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio of spearheading a policy of regional aggression.
"The current emperor of the White House and his infamous Secretary of State have not stopped threatening us," he said, reverting to Cold War rhetoric to portray himself as a victim of "the empire."
He heightened the drama by asserting that not even a full-scale offensive could subdue Cuba. "They would have to abduct millions or erase us from the map, and even then, the specter of this small archipelago would haunt them forever," he proclaimed to his followers.
In a similar vein, he claimed, "The promoters of the attack and the abduction of President Maduro resorted to the most abhorrent methods of fascism," asserting that "the current U.S. administration has opened the door to an era of barbarism, plunder, and neo-fascism" in the Caribbean.
Díaz-Canel's message comes after a direct warning from Trump, posted on January 11 on his social media platform Truth Social, where the U.S. president reiterated that "there will be no more oil or money flowing from Venezuela to the island."
Trump's remark came just a week after the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores during a U.S. military operation in Caracas, an event that has left the Cuban regime in a state of extreme vulnerability.
Havana has been a major beneficiary of Venezuelan oil since the era of Hugo Chávez, in exchange for the presence of Cuban military advisors, doctors, and intelligence agents in Caracas. The fall of Maduro and the U.S. control over the Venezuelan transition leaves Díaz-Canel's regime facing the near-total loss of its primary source of subsidies.
Díaz-Canel’s defiant and patriotic rhetoric seems aimed at rallying his base amid domestic challenges marked by shortages, power outages, and growing social unrest.
Nevertheless, Trump's warning signifies a toughening of Washington's stance toward the Cuban regime, which now faces the challenge of sustaining itself without Venezuela's financial and energy support.
Impact of U.S. Policy on Cuba
How does the U.S. policy shift affect Cuba?
The U.S. policy shift, particularly the potential cut-off of Venezuelan oil, could significantly strain Cuba's economy, which relies heavily on this resource for energy and financial stability.
What are the potential consequences for the Cuban government?
The Cuban government may face increased economic challenges and social unrest as it struggles to find alternative sources of energy and financial support, which could weaken its political stability.
Why is Venezuelan oil important to Cuba?
Venezuelan oil is crucial for Cuba because it provides essential energy resources and economic support, which are vital for maintaining the country's energy infrastructure and overall economic health.