Renowned Cuban exile activist Ramón Saúl Sánchez, leader of the Democracy Movement, has issued a passionate and critical message expressing concern over what he perceives as a potential rapprochement between the Trump administration and the Cuban regime. This comes amid recent reports suggesting potential economic reforms on the island.
Clearly moved, Sánchez conveyed his worry that such developments could ultimately benefit the dictatorship at a time when he believes it is at one of its weakest points.
“I come to you this morning with much sadness because something I have long feared is being confirmed regarding Cuba,” he stated in a Facebook address.
The activist pointed to recent reports and statements from U.S. officials that suggest the possibility of negotiations or agreements with the regime.
“Apparently, according to credible media and statements from our officials, the President of the United States and Secretary of State Marco Rubio... I fear that this supposed liberation is approaching, which is an offense and humiliation for the Cuban people,” he asserted.
Sánchez believes that any political or economic agreement with Havana under current circumstances would only extend the regime’s survival.
“When that tyranny is at the end of its rope, it would be a lifeline to that tyranny, and that is unacceptable to us,” he said.
He accused some sectors of promoting deals with Havana for economic or political gain.
“Those whispering in the ear are pulling the lever... Some want to do business with the regime, selling Cuban medicine here and making deals with them. Others want to be in good standing for local political purposes.”
“I don't care if it's Trump, Biden, Russia, whoever. Cubans have the right to be free,” he declared.
“I am a foreigner with a deportation order, and perhaps what I'm saying will lead to my deportation. Do it, but I will not stay silent [...] Cuba is not about any of those things. The freedom of Cuba is very serious," he affirmed.
One of the central points of his message was the warning that economic reforms driven from outside could end up reinforcing the regime, recalling that for decades "the regime has always found a lifeline.”
“Are we now to believe that because corporations buy or extract nickel or cobalt from Cuba, we will be free?" he questioned, lamenting the portrayal of economic openness as a path to freedom without real political changes.
Sánchez revisited the long-standing suffering of the Cuban people, highlighting the human cost of political repression on the island.
“Listen, Mr. Trump: the executed, the political prisoners, the suffering of mothers, our prolonged exile [...] The raftsmen who died in the Florida Strait [...] There are many executed, many... do not play with us,” he recalled, emphasizing that any negotiation ignoring this history would be deeply unjust.
A Direct Message to Marco Rubio
During his address, the leader of the Democracy Movement also reached out directly to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom he admires politically, but criticized for not engaging with critical exile sectors.
“Marco Rubio, why haven't you come here to meet with the Cuban exile leaders, even behind closed doors, to listen?” he asked.
“I admire you, buddy… what political talent you have,” he said; nevertheless, he insisted that Washington should also listen to those who do not fully align with the official stance.
“Come here, meet with us, listen to us. Not just those who pull the lever for the president, but also those of us with a different voice,” he said.
Sánchez argued that if the U.S. can dialogue with the Cuban regime, it should also listen to the victims:
“If we can talk with our enemy, with the one who has decimated our nation, how can we not talk with the victims?”
Cuba's Dignity
The activist insisted that the fate of the island should not be determined solely by economic interests.
“Cuba is not a spoil or a rag. Cuba is a nation with dignity,” he asserted.
He also criticized the notion of stabilizing the regime economically as a means of fostering change.
“That phrase of economically stabilizing a dictatorship, beware... that’s an invention to throw a lifeline,” he insisted.
In his view, the Cuban political system is in its final stage: “The regime is falling, the regime is sinking, the regime is at the end of its rope.”
In one of the most emotional parts of his address, the activist spoke about his personal life and health. He revealed he is suffering from cancer but does not want to die without seeing his homeland free.
“I have been fighting for the freedom of Cuba for fifty-eight years and have seen it all,” he stated.
He even warned he would be willing to take his protest to the ultimate consequences: “If I have to spend my last days on a hunger strike, I will do it.”
In the final part of his message, Sánchez urged the U.S. administration not to pursue agreements that might prolong the life of the Cuban regime.
“If you cannot help us to truly be free, then, with all due respect, let us Cubans see the collapse of that tyranny through to the end.”
“Maybe it will last a little longer… but we will be free,” he concluded.
The Context: Washington's Plans for Cuba
The activist's statements come amid recent reports on the Trump administration's policy towards Cuba.
A report published by USA Today described Washington's strategy as a kind of “Cubastroika,” in reference to the Soviet perestroika, the process of economic reforms undertaken in the Soviet Union during the 1980s.
According to the report, the U.S. administration is exploring ways to drive economic changes in Cuba through political pressure combined with limited openings to the U.S. market.
Among the measures mentioned is the decision announced on February 25 to allow U.S. petroleum products to be sold directly to Cuban private businesses, effectively bypassing the embargo in place since 1960.
This strategy emerges amid a severe energy crisis on the island, exacerbated by the cessation of Venezuelan oil supplies. In Havana, blackouts have lasted up to 15 hours daily, flights have been canceled due to fuel shortages, and numerous private businesses have halted operations.
Moreover, Trump himself has publicly acknowledged that Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintains contacts with high-ranking Cuban regime officials and has even stated that they are "desperate to make a deal."
In this context, Ramón Saúl Sánchez's words reflect the discontent of a segment of the Cuban exile community that fears any economic opening might prolong the political survival of the regime.
FAQs About U.S. Policy Toward Cuba
What are Ramón Saúl Sánchez's concerns about U.S. negotiations with Cuba?
Ramón Saúl Sánchez is worried that negotiations or agreements with the Cuban regime could benefit the dictatorship and prolong its survival, especially at a time when he believes it is vulnerable.
What is the proposed U.S. strategy regarding Cuba, according to reports?
Reports suggest that the U.S. strategy, termed as “Cubastroika,” involves political pressure along with limited economic openings to encourage reforms in Cuba, despite the existing embargo.
How does Sánchez view economic stabilization of the Cuban regime?
Sánchez criticizes the idea of economically stabilizing the regime, asserting that it is merely a way to provide a lifeline to the dictatorship without bringing genuine political change.