The United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) released an official statement on Tuesday supporting the Cuban regime, urging the formation of an "immediate political and diplomatic united front" against the sanctions imposed by the United States on Cuba.
This announcement was simultaneously shared by Nicolás Maduro Guerra, known as "Nicolasito," son of the former Venezuelan leader detained in the U.S., through his social media account on X.
Signed in Caracas, the communiqué specifically condemns the Executive Order signed by former President Donald Trump on May 1, 2026. This order expanded the economic, financial, and commercial embargo against Cuba, adding secondary sanctions targeting foreign companies, banks, and entities dealing with sanctioned Cuban entities, even if they have no direct ties to the United States.
The PSUV describes the executive order as "an act of aggression that adds to the energy embargo initiated on January 29, exacerbating the already damaging extraterritorial effects of the blockade."
Increased U.S. Pressure on Cuba
The U.S. has steadily intensified its pressure on Cuba in recent months. On January 29, Trump signed Executive Order 14380, labeling Cuba as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" and implementing an energy embargo that reportedly slashed Cuba's oil imports by 80% to 90%.
On May 7, the United States added Cuba's military conglomerate GAESA to its sanctions list. Subsequently, on May 18, the Department of the Treasury sanctioned 11 individuals and three Cuban entities, including Communications Minister Mayra Arevich Marín, Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy, and the National Revolutionary Police.
PSUV's Thanks to Cuban Support
The PSUV's statement also expresses gratitude to Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel for his support of the Chavista movement following the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
The statement notes that Díaz-Canel was "the first courageous voice to rise and condemn the military aggression against Venezuela on January 3 and demand the immediate release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Deputy Cilia Flores."
Maduro and Flores were apprehended on January 3, 2026, during a U.S. operation and taken to the United States to face charges of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.
Since then, Nicolasito has emerged as one of the few public voices of Chavismo. On February 22, the United States demanded Venezuela hand him over, alleging his involvement with drug trafficking networks linked to international cartels.
Warning of Potential Humanitarian Crisis
In its communiqué, the PSUV warns that Washington's goal might be to fabricate a "forced humanitarian crisis scenario" in Cuba as a pretext for escalating into greater aggression, possibly including unpredictable military threats.
The document concludes with a message of solidarity with the Communist Party of Cuba, stating, "Cuba is not alone. Now more than ever, it is crucial to uphold this principle to protect the lives of 10 million Cuban brothers and sisters and to defend the stability, sovereignty, and peace of the entire Latin American and Caribbean region."
Impact of U.S. Sanctions on Cuba and Venezuela
What are the main consequences of the U.S. sanctions on Cuba?
The U.S. sanctions have significantly reduced Cuba's oil imports and strained its economy, impacting various sectors and exacerbating existing hardships on the island.
How has Venezuela responded to the sanctions against Cuba?
Venezuela, through the PSUV, has expressed strong support for Cuba, condemning the U.S. sanctions and calling for a united front to oppose them.
Who is Nicolás Maduro Guerra?
Nicolás Maduro Guerra, also known as "Nicolasito," is the son of the former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who is currently detained in the United States on charges of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.