On Thursday, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla denounced the statements made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling them "cynical, hypocritical, and deceitful." This came after Rubio announced fresh sanctions against Cuba's military conglomerate GAESA and other regime-associated entities.
Rodríguez Parrilla expressed his disapproval on X, criticizing Rubio's assertions that the measures aim to "assist the Cuban people." The Cuban minister contended that the actions promoted under the guise of U.S. government policy are designed to inflict maximum damage on Cuban citizens and families without justification.
The foreign minister further accused Rubio of resorting to slander and falsehoods, suggesting that the U.S. policy represents a "collective punishment of genocidal nature" that holds the nation hostage for domination purposes.
Sanctions Under Executive Order 14404
The sanctions introduced by Rubio are part of Executive Order 14404, signed by President Donald Trump on May 1, 2026. The measures target GAESA, its president Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera, the mining company Moa Nickel S.A., 12 Cuban officials, seven military and security entities, and three vessels.
Labeling GAESA as "the heart of Cuba's kleptocratic communist system," Rubio emphasized that the conglomerate controls between 40% and 70% of Cuba's formal economy, with assets estimated at over $18 billion. He stated, "GAESA is designed to generate revenue not for the Cuban people, but solely for its corrupt elite," adding that further designations are anticipated in the coming days and weeks.
Impact of U.S. Sanctions and Energy Crisis
Since January 2026, the Trump administration has imposed over 240 sanctions against the Cuban regime and intercepted at least seven oil tankers destined for the island, reducing Cuba's energy imports by 80% to 90%. This has led to power outages lasting up to 25 hours daily in more than 55% of Cuban territory, as reported in April and May 2026.
On the same day, Canadian mining company Sherritt International halted all operations in Cuba, severing ties with the regime's main foreign mining partner and impacting 10% to 15% of the island's electricity generation capacity.
Rubio attributes the energy crisis to the collapse of Venezuelan subsidies following Nicolás Maduro's capture in January 2026, and what he described as the Cuban government's "communist incompetence." Meanwhile, the Cuban regime continues to blame the U.S. embargo for its woes.
Rodríguez concluded his message with a warning directed at Washington, asserting, "The world will not allow this and is mobilizing."
Understanding the Implications of U.S. Sanctions on Cuba
What entities are affected by the new U.S. sanctions on Cuba?
The sanctions target GAESA, its president Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera, Moa Nickel S.A., 12 Cuban officials, seven military and security entities, and three vessels.
How have the sanctions impacted Cuba's energy sector?
The sanctions have significantly reduced Cuba's energy imports by 80% to 90%, resulting in extensive power outages across the island.
Why does Marco Rubio describe GAESA as a kleptocratic entity?
Rubio considers GAESA a kleptocratic entity because it allegedly diverts resources for the benefit of Cuba's corrupt elite, rather than the general population.