Sandro Castro, the controversial grandson of the late dictator, has once again stirred up attention with one of his provocative statements.
During a Q&A session on Instagram, the entrepreneurial grandson shared in one of his stories that reaching an agreement with the United States would be "ideal" in response to a question about resolving the issues affecting the Cuban people.
In another of his characteristic jabs at Díaz-Canel, Sandro declared, "always with my people," when asked if he sided with the people or "you know who."
Prospects of U.S. Dialogue
On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a direct message to the Cuban regime, asserting that his administration is open to dialogue with Havana, but from a position of strength, refusing to make any concessions to the communist government that has ruled the island for over six decades.
"I think we’re going to make a deal with Cuba. We’ll be nice, but we have a very bad situation there," Trump stated, referring to the economic and energy crisis exacerbated by the cessation of Venezuelan oil supplies and the recent halt of Mexican crude shipments, a decision made by President Claudia Sheinbaum at Washington's request.
The message was perceived as a direct warning to the regime led officially by Miguel Díaz-Canel but controlled by Raúl Castro and the military leadership of GAESA, who are seen as responsible for maintaining a repressive and economically unsustainable system.
Sources close to the U.S. government suggest that Trump's remarks signal the beginning of a new phase in U.S. policy towards Cuba, characterized by diplomatic pressure, international isolation of the regime, and support for an internal change process.
"Cuba has no money, no oil," the president emphasized, recalling that for years, the regime survived thanks to resources from Venezuela, a flow that has completely stopped following Nicolás Maduro's downfall and the collapse of Chavismo.
The president stressed that any future negotiations with Havana must be based on respect for human rights, the release of political prisoners, and an end to military control over the economy. "We'll be nice, but things have to change," he reiterated.
Key Questions About U.S.-Cuba Relations
What did Sandro Castro say about U.S. relations?
Sandro Castro suggested that reaching an agreement with the United States would be "ideal" for resolving issues affecting the Cuban people.
What is President Trump's stance on negotiations with Cuba?
President Trump expressed willingness to make a deal with Cuba, emphasizing a firm stance without concessions to the communist regime, contingent on respect for human rights and economic reforms.
How has the Cuban regime been affected by recent international developments?
The Cuban regime faces an economic and energy crisis due to the cessation of Venezuelan oil supplies and the recent halt of Mexican crude shipments, impacting its sustainability.