Cuba’s President has warned Donald Trump his country is “getting ready” for a possible war with the US and are willing to “fight until the very last drop of blood in order to defend our rights, our independence, and sovereignty”. The warnings from Mr Diaz-Canel come following several after threats of military action against Cuba from Mr Trump.
In an interview with Sky News, the Cuban President was asked for his reaction to new comments from Mr Trump in which he said “after many, many decades, it’s coming our way” in relation to Cuba. Mr Diaz-Canel replied: “We are a peaceful country. We are not a threat to anyone. We provide a lot of solidarity to the world. Therefore, Cuba is not a country in conflict. We’re not a colony, we’re not going to give in our sovereignty or independence.
“Threats, the constant rhetoric of aggression against our country by the US Government, the almost daily expressions, which are part of a strategy of a media-driven intoxication and psychological warfare in order to frighten our country and destabilise our society, is an outrage and a front to the dignity of our people.”
“We don’t want a war, but we’re not afraid of it, and we’re getting ready so we’re not surprised or defeated.”
The Cuban President said that the country is “willing to fight untill the last very drop in order to defend our rights, our independence, and sovereignty.”
Since returning to the White House, Donald Trump has made clear his desire to change Havana’s leadership and has openly mused that Cuba is “ready to fall”.
In March this year, he suggested the country was in “deep trouble” as he threatened a “friendly takeover”.
Washington has exerted significant pressure on Cuba primarily through economic sanctions and restrictions on oil supplies. One of the most severe consequences of these measures has been a worsening fuel shortage, which has contributed to months of widespread power outages across the country.
In the past, Cuba relied heavily on oil and fuel imports from Venezuela and Mexico. However, these supplies declined sharply after January, following increased US actions against Venezuela and former President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on countries exporting petroleum to Cuba.
As part of its efforts to limit Cuba’s access to energy resources, Washington has also intercepted several oil shipments destined for the island.
As a result, Cuba has struggled to secure sufficient fuel imports, with reports indicating that only one Russian oil tanker managed to reach the country after the blockade measures were intensified. This combination of sanctions, reduced foreign fuel supplies, and disrupted shipments has deepened Cuba’s energy crisis and intensified the impact on daily life and economic activity.
