The Cuban regime has expressed discontent over recent reports by the U.S. media outlet Axios, which have unveiled sensitive information about alleged negotiations between Havana and Washington amidst a politically and migratorily tense environment.
Through an article released by the Cubadebate Media Observatory, the Cuban government accused the American platform of serving as a leak channel for the State Department, distributing information attributed to U.S. officials without independent verification.
The publication argues that Axios has obtained data with "a level of detail suggesting connections with government security, justice, and diplomatic circuits," which, according to their analysis, indicates a functional relationship with U.S. foreign policy towards Cuba.
The issue has escalated politically. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez publicly reinforced this narrative by asserting that the media outlet has been "chosen" by the State Department to establish positions, issue threats, and leak strategic information about the island.
In a message shared on social media, the minister accused Axios of operating as a "highly functional leak-receiving platform" aligned with Washington's interests. He also criticized the media for publishing sensitive information without independent verification, which he believes contributes to portraying Cuba as a nation in terminal crisis and a regional security threat.
The immediate trigger for the regime's reaction was an April 17 article by journalist Marc Caputo, revealing details of meetings between State Department officials and Cuban representatives in Havana, including Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, nicknamed "The Crab," grandson of Raúl Castro and a lieutenant colonel in the Interior Ministry.
According to Axios, a senior State Department official stated that the Cuban economy is in "free fall," that the elites have a "small window" for Washington-backed reforms, and that the U.S. will not allow the island's collapse to threaten its national security.
This article was also the first to disclose that a U.S. government plane had landed in Cuba since President Obama's visit a decade ago, a detail the regime would have preferred to keep confidential.
Back on February 18, Axios had already published an exclusive report about secret talks between Rubio and Raúl Castro's inner circle, where a Trump administration source declared, "Our stance—the U.S. government's stance—is that the regime must go."
The Cuban regime has maintained a contradictory position on the negotiations, formally denying high-level dialogues while admitting to "message exchanges." Meanwhile, Díaz-Canel has threatened to sever contacts if Washington persists in pushing for regime change.
The regime's attack on Axios fits into their strategy of discrediting leaks that disclose details of negotiations that Havana prefers to keep under wraps. This comes as the two-week ultimatum issued by the U.S. on April 20 expired without visible results, and Marco Rubio has conditioned any agreement on structural reforms, the release of political prisoners, and leadership change.
Key Questions About U.S.-Cuba Negotiations
What prompted the Cuban regime's reaction to Axios?
The Cuban regime reacted to an Axios article revealing sensitive details about negotiations between U.S. and Cuban officials, including discussions involving Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro.
What accusations did the Cuban government make against Axios?
The Cuban government accused Axios of being a leak channel for the U.S. State Department, spreading unverified information that aligns with U.S. foreign policy interests.
How has the issue been politicized by Cuban authorities?
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez claimed that Axios was "selected" by the State Department to leak strategic information and portray Cuba as a regional security threat.