In a speech filled with anti-American rhetoric, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla declared at the United Nations that while Cuba will endure "hardships and suffering," it will uphold its sovereignty and resilience against what he described as aggressive policies from the United States.
Starting his address at the UN Human Rights Council, Rodríguez Parrilla condemned what he termed as a "dictatorship" of global power wielded by Washington. He accused the United States of enforcing an international order that sanctions "plunder as an exceptional and supreme right."
He directly blamed the executive order issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump on January 29th for allegedly inflicting "collective punishment on the Cuban people" and attempting to create a "humanitarian disaster" through an energy blockade on the island.
Speaking from Geneva, the Cuban foreign minister attributed the economic challenges faced by the Cuban population to this American policy. However, he also praised Cuba's ability to navigate the crisis, stating, "We are an aware, educated, and courageous people... with robust systems in education, health, and science." He pointed to natural resources and solar energy initiatives as key elements of Cuba's endurance.
Rodríguez Parrilla's remarks come amid unprecedented pressure from Washington. Following the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela and the capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, Cuba lost its primary oil source and is experiencing a severe supply cut worsened by threats of sanctions against third countries attempting to provide support.
This situation has exacerbated an energy and social crisis that, according to international reports, has brought the country to the brink of paralysis, severely affecting transportation, supply chains, and essential services.
The White House has also toughened its public stance, demanding "very drastic changes very soon" from Cuba and pointing out that the regime is collapsing under the weight of its economic crisis.
Simultaneously, there are unconfirmed reports of contacts between U.S. government representatives and segments of the Cuban leadership, hinting at potential negotiations to prevent a complete power vacuum on the island.
The Cuban exile community and social media users harshly criticized the Cuban regime's foreign minister's address. Many agreed that Rodríguez Parrilla used the official narrative to divert attention from internal mismanagement, placing sole blame on the United States for all of Cuba's structural economic problems.
Rodríguez Parrilla concluded his address by emphasizing the unity and determination of the Cuban people to persevere and reiterated Havana's willingness to engage in dialogue with Washington "based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, and reciprocal benefit," albeit without preconditions.
Cuba's Current Political and Economic Challenges
What did Bruno Rodríguez claim about the U.S. policies?
Bruno Rodríguez accused the United States of aggressive policies that impose collective punishment on the Cuban people and attempt to create a humanitarian disaster through an energy blockade.
How has the loss of oil supply affected Cuba?
The loss of oil supply, particularly after the U.S. intervention in Venezuela, has severely impacted Cuba, leading to an energy and social crisis that affects transportation, supply chains, and essential services.
What is the U.S. demanding from Cuba?
The United States is demanding drastic and immediate changes from Cuba, suggesting that the regime is nearing collapse due to its economic crisis.