Carlos Fernández de Cossío Challenges U.S., Asserts Cuba Will Defend Itself Independently: "We Are on Our Own"

Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, has declared that the Cuban government is taking reports of a potential U.S. military action against the island "very seriously." He acknowledged that if faced with foreign aggression, Cuba would have to defend itself without external assistance.

In an interview with Washington Journal, Fernández de Cossío emphasized, "We are on our own," when asked whether other nations would support Cuba in the event of U.S. military intervention.

He further stated that Havana must assume "perhaps no country will come to our aid" and that in such a scenario, Cuba would exercise its right to self-defense "independently."

Defiant Stance Amid Rising Tensions

This statement underscores the Cuban government's defiant stance towards Washington amid escalating tensions following remarks by President Donald Trump, who labeled Cuba as a "failed state" and predicted "freedom will come to Cuba."

Fernández de Cossío dismissed these comments, asserting that "Cuba is a nation under attack, not a failed state." He claimed the island faces "relentless, multidimensional aggression" from "the most powerful nation on Earth."

Preparing for Potential U.S. Actions

Responding to CBS News reports about possible U.S. military preparations related to Cuba, the deputy minister remarked that it would be "naive" for the Cuban government not to prepare itself and its citizens for such a "drastic possibility."

"Unfortunately, we must take such reports very seriously," he stated. He also pointed out that Havana is attentive to frequent declarations by U.S. officials in this regard.

Criticism of U.S. Policies

During the interview, Fernández de Cossío accused Washington of attempting to "take control of Cuba" and forcing internal political changes on the island. He argued that this would be tantamount to "nullifying Cuba as a nation" and disregarding its sovereign right to exist.

The deputy minister also blamed U.S. policy for much of the crisis facing the country, claiming that sanctions and restrictions aim to punish the entire Cuban population. "It's an attempt to force the Cuban people into submission through hunger," he said.

He described daily life on the island as "very difficult," citing blackouts, fuel shortages, public transportation limitations, food preservation challenges, and hospital disruptions due to power shortages.

Open to Dialogue Under Conditions

Despite the tensions, Fernández de Cossío noted that the Cuban government has maintained contact with U.S. authorities in recent months. He stated that Havana is open to "respectful dialogue," provided that the sovereignty of both nations is respected.