Cuban President Díaz-Canel Rejects U.S. Negotiations Amid Venezuelan Oil Cutoff
HAVANA, Cuba — Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel firmly rejected any negotiations with the United States on Monday, despite mounting pressure from the Trump administration to reach a deal following the cessation of Venezuela’s oil shipments to the island. The move threatens to deepen Cuba’s ongoing energy crisis, as Caracas had long been a critical supplier of subsidized oil, helping to sustain the Cuban economy amid decades of sanctions.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Díaz-Canel emphasized that there are no current conversations with Washington beyond “technical contacts in the migration field.” He reiterated Cuba’s longstanding position that any dialogue must be conducted under the principles of sovereign equality and respect for international law, rather than through coercion or threats. “As history demonstrates, relations between the U.S. and Cuba, in order to advance, must be based on International Law rather than on hostility, threats, and economic coercion,” Díaz-Canel said.
This defiant stance comes as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to choke off Cuba’s lifeline to Venezuelan oil, a key element of the island’s energy infrastructure. The U.S. government has imposed sanctions targeting Venezuela’s state oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), aiming to cut off the flow of fuel that has been crucial to Cuba’s power generation and transportation sectors. The U.S. Department of State has underscored that these measures are intended to pressure both Caracas and Havana to change their policies.
President Donald Trump has publicly urged Cuba to negotiate a deal with the United States before it is “too late,” warning of further consequences if the island does not comply with U.S. demands. However, Díaz-Canel dismissed these warnings, asserting that Cuba will defend itself “to the last drop of blood,” a phrase he used to signal the government’s resolve in the face of external pressure.
The energy crisis on the island is expected to worsen as Venezuelan oil shipments cease, raising concerns about potential blackouts and economic disruptions. Cuba’s economy remains fragile, with limited access to international credit and foreign investment due to longstanding U.S. sanctions. The Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook notes that Cuba’s reliance on subsidized Venezuelan oil has been a critical factor in maintaining its energy needs.
Despite the challenges, the Cuban government has consistently rejected direct negotiations with the U.S. administration unless conducted on equal footing, citing a history of hostile relations and economic coercion. The Trump administration’s approach contrasts with the brief thaw in relations during the Obama era, when diplomatic ties were restored and some sanctions eased.
Experts suggest that the current stalemate underscores the deep mistrust between the two nations and the complexities of U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba. The Council on Foreign Relations highlights that while sanctions aim to pressure the Cuban government, they also risk exacerbating humanitarian concerns on the island.
As the energy lifeline from Venezuela dries up, Cuba faces critical decisions on how to navigate its economic future amid tightening U.S. sanctions and a persistent energy shortfall. For now, President Díaz-Canel’s message is clear: Cuba will not negotiate under duress and remains steadfast in defending its sovereignty against what it calls hostile U.S. policies.
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