Cuban President Affirms No Negotiations with U.S. Amid Changing Oil Supplies
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced on Monday that his government is not currently in talks with the United States. This statement comes after President Trump warned that Cuba’s access to Venezuelan oil and financial support would come to an end.
In a post on X, Díaz-Canel stated, “There are no discussions with the U.S. government, apart from technical talks regarding migration.” He expressed strong disapproval of what he referred to as U.S. hostility towards Cuba, emphasizing that any negotiations should align with international law.
The Cuban leader remarked, “As history shows, U.S.-Cuba relations can improve only through discussions grounded in respect, equality, and adherence to international law, rather than through threats and economic pressure.”
Trump declared on Sunday that Cuba will receive “no more oil or money from Venezuela—zero!” He urged Cuba to negotiate urgently.
Historically, Cuba has relied heavily on Venezuelan oil to sustain its energy needs. Prior to the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, Cuba imported approximately 35,000 barrels of oil each day from Venezuela, along with smaller amounts from Russia and Mexico.
These developments come on the heels of a significant U.S. operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and reported casualties among Cuban personnel.
With restrictions tightening on both Venezuelan and Russian oil, Cuba faces increasing challenges, including potential worsening blackouts due to aging infrastructure and previous hurricane damage. Despite this, government officials in Havana have reiterated their refusal to engage with Trump’s demands to strike a deal.
As the situation unfolds, Cuba’s energy future appears uncertain without its traditional partners in oil supply.
