Grandson of Fidel Castro Challenges Trump in the UK: "Cuba Won't Bow Down"

In a rare setting for the Cuban regime's rhetoric, Fidel Castro Smirnov, the grandson of the late Cuban leader, issued a confrontational message against the United States and President Donald Trump from London. He firmly declared that Cuba's sovereignty is non-negotiable and that the island will not succumb to Washington's pressure.

This statement was made during the ¡Adelante! Latin America conference, held last Saturday at Hamilton House, where the Cuban scientist appeared as one of the invited speakers.

Before a gathering of activists, British MPs, and leftist movement representatives, Castro Smirnov invoked his family's legacy and the historical rhetoric of resistance to justify the regime's stance against the tightened U.S. sanctions.

"They offer us a deal: give up your dignity, and I'll return the light. That's not diplomacy; it's a slave auction," he asserted in a dramatic speech linking Cuba's energy, health, and economic crises to recent decisions by the White House.

The speech, heavily focused on denouncing what he termed a "fierce aggression" from the United States, highlighted new executive orders signed by Trump aimed, according to Castro Smirnov, at choking the nation through an oil blockade. He argued that these actions directly impact ordinary Cubans by halting ambulances, surgeries, and medicine production.

He further referenced Venezuela and the recent apprehension of Nicolás Maduro, portraying it as evidence of Washington's disregard for international law. In this light, Castro Smirnov warned that pressure leads to resistance, not submission, and that Cubans would not "kneel" in exchange for economic relief.

The address was well-received by sectors of the British left and organizations in solidarity with Cuba. According to the Students’ Federation of India – United Kingdom, the event rallied activists and progressive movement representatives who praised Cuba's "perseverance" despite U.S. sanctions and voiced support for Havana's causes.

Beyond political slogans, Castro Smirnov sought to project an image of generational continuity, presenting himself as the heir to a historical narrative that intertwines science, sovereignty, and resistance. "While they plan attacks, we plan vaccines," he remarked, alluding to Cuba's biotech role during the pandemic.

The tour included a meeting with British Parliament members, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. At the Palace of Westminster, Castro Smirnov discussed Cuba's health and scientific achievements, but his primary critique was the extraterritorial reach of U.S. sanctions. He questioned British banks blocking transfers for medical supplies for children in Havana due to fears of fines for dollar-related transactions.

"Does it make sense in the 21st century for a British bank to reject a sterling transfer for medical supplies for children in Havana, simply out of fear of a dollar-based transaction fine?" he asked.

In other public events, the grandson of the historic Cuban leader appeared alongside Ismara Vargas Walter, Cuba's ambassador to the UK, during the 20th Latin America Conference in London. The event openly promoted solidarity with Cuba and Venezuela, with organizers and sympathizers denouncing what they called a "medieval siege" by the Trump administration, warning that oil shortages could lead to massive power outages affecting hospitals, schools, factories, and homes.