Cuba condemns the US over sanctions.

VTV.vn - Cuban Ambassador to the United Nations Rodolfo Benitez has condemned the energy blockade and threats of military intervention from the United States.

At the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva (Switzerland), Cuban Ambassador to the United Nations Benitez argued that the US tightening of fuel supplies to Havana since the beginning of this year has the equivalent of a naval blockade – an action considered an act of war.

According to the Cuban side, fuel shortages have caused prolonged power outages, affecting water supply, food production, and healthcare services. Benitez stated that the infant mortality rate has increased from 4 to 9.2 per 1,000 births, while the survival rate for children with cancer has fallen from 85% to 65%.

Cuba also rejected accusations of being a security threat to the US, affirming its readiness for dialogue based on respect for sovereignty. However, Cuba will defend its independence and national sovereignty if any military action occurs.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez (left) and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at UN headquarters, May 26, 2026 (Photo: AP)

Earlier in May, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the newly expanded US sanctions against his country at a solidarity event held in Havana on May 2nd. Speaking at the event, President Diaz-Canel asserted that Cuba is not an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States, and described the island nation as a peaceful country.

Meanwhile, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated Havana's position on negotiations with Washington. "We will never discuss with the United States issues concerning the sovereignty, independence, and self-determination of the Cuban people," Rodriguez emphasized.

According to the executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, the new sanctions target individuals, organizations, and parties involved in supporting Cuba's security apparatus. The scope of sanctions could be extended to foreign individuals operating in other sectors such as energy, defense, mining, and finance; and allows for secondary sanctions against parties that conduct or facilitate transactions with sanctioned entities.

Source: https://vtv.vn/cuba-len-an-my-ve-lenh-trung-phat-100260531120147828.htm