Miguel Díaz-Canel took to X on Thursday to assert that the United States government is systematically and ruthlessly punishing the Cuban people. He also linked the acceptance of a $100 million offer from Washington to the adherence to "universally recognized practices for humanitarian aid."
The Cuban leader's remarks came in response to a $100 million offer revealed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 8 in Rome, following a meeting with Pope Leon XIV at the Vatican, where Cuba was a primary topic of discussion.
"Should the U.S. government genuinely intend to provide aid in the announced amounts and in full compliance with universally recognized humanitarian practices, they will find no hindrance or ingratitude from Cuba, despite the inconsistency and paradox of offering such aid to a people whom they systematically and ruthlessly punish," Díaz-Canel stated.
Humanitarian Aid and Diplomatic Tensions
Díaz-Canel highlighted urgent needs for "fuel, food, and medicine," accusing Washington of deliberately orchestrating a humanitarian crisis. He reiterated the regime's typical stance, suggesting that lifting or easing the embargo could alleviate the harm, sidestepping decades of the communist dictatorship's responsibility for Cuba's economic collapse.
The State Department formalized its offer on May 12, clarifying that aid would be distributed only via the Catholic Church, Caritas, and independent NGOs, avoiding Cuban government involvement.
This stipulation challenges the regime's historical control over distributing external resources. Cuban-American congressman Carlos Giménez bluntly remarked, "The regime just wants to keep doing what it always does: steal aid and profit by reselling it to the people."
Fluctuating Official Responses Amidst Crisis
Cuba's official stance has shifted rapidly. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla initially dismissed the offer as a "$100 million lie" on May 12 but later expressed willingness to consider the proposal's details.
This change comes amid an unprecedented energy and food crisis. Cuba anticipates an energy shortfall of over 2,000 MW during peak nighttime hours, with blackouts affecting 65% of the country on May 12.
By April 2026, only one out of the eight monthly fuel shipments deemed necessary by the regime had arrived, following the loss of supplies from Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico.
In 2025, 33.9% of Cuban households reported experiencing hunger, according to the Food Monitor Program.
The U.S. had previously provided $6 million in humanitarian aid through Caritas, benefiting families in eastern Cuba, contradicting the regime's narrative that Washington lacks genuine intent to assist.
Rubio was firm on Thursday, assessing prospects for change: "I don't believe we can alter Cuba's course while these individuals remain in charge of the regime."
Key Questions on U.S.-Cuba Relations
What is the Cuban regime's response to the U.S. aid offer?
The Cuban regime, led by Díaz-Canel, has linked the acceptance of U.S. aid to adherence to universally recognized humanitarian practices, and expressed distrust, viewing the offer as paradoxical and inconsistent.
How is the U.S. aid structured to bypass the Cuban government?
The U.S. aid is structured to be delivered exclusively through non-governmental channels like the Catholic Church and Caritas, avoiding direct involvement of the Cuban state.
What are the main humanitarian needs identified by Díaz-Canel?
Díaz-Canel has identified fuel, food, and medicine as the primary urgent needs for the Cuban people.