Havana, January 12, 2026 — Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's demand that Havana negotiate a deal with Washington, asserting Cuba's sovereignty in the wake of the recent U.S. military intervention in Venezuela that severed long-standing economic ties between the two allied nations.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, January 11, Díaz-Canel declared, “Cuba is a free, independent, and sovereign nation. No one dictates what we do.” He emphasized that Cuba “does not aggress; it is aggressed upon by the United States for 66 years, and it does not threaten; it prepares, ready to defend the Homeland to the last drop of blood.” The Cuban leader further criticized those who “turn everything into a business, even human lives,” implying a lack of moral authority on the part of the U.S. to lecture Havana.
This sharp response followed Trump's Truth Social post earlier that day, where he declared an end to Venezuelan oil and financial support for Cuba. Trump wrote: “Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided ‘Security Services’ for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE! THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO!” He added, “I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” without specifying the terms of any potential agreement.
Cuba has historically depended on subsidized Venezuelan oil under a barter arrangement dating back to the Hugo Chávez era, where Havana provided medical, educational, and security personnel in exchange for discounted crude and other aid. This relationship has been vital for Cuba's energy security amid the U.S. embargo and domestic economic challenges.
The situation changed dramatically following the U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026, which captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The raid, involving special operations forces, resulted in significant casualties, including 32 Cuban military and intelligence personnel killed while providing security in Caracas, according to official Cuban reports. The Cuban government described the deaths as occurring “in combat actions” during fierce resistance and announced national mourning.
The U.S. intervention has led to a rapid realignment of Venezuela's oil sector under interim authorities. On January 6, Trump announced that Venezuela would transfer 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States at market prices, with proceeds intended to benefit both nations' people. This deal, executed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, involves redirecting previously sanctioned stockpiles and future production away from traditional buyers, effectively cutting off Cuba's supply. Analysts estimate this volume could be worth up to $2.8 billion at current prices, marking a major shift in regional energy dynamics.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez reinforced Díaz-Canel's stance, asserting Cuba's “absolute right” to import fuel from willing partners without U.S. interference. He condemned Washington's actions, stating, “The US is behaving like a criminal and uncontrolled hegemon that threatens peace and security not only of Cuba and this hemisphere but of the entire world.” Rodríguez rejected Trump's characterization of the Cuba-Venezuela relationship as a quid pro quo for security services, emphasizing mutual cooperation among sovereign states.
Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, indicated that the U.S. was “talking to Cuba,” though no details emerged about the nature or status of these discussions. He referenced concerns over Cuban migrants who “were forced out or left under duress,” hinting that any talks might address migration, human rights, or broader regime issues.
The U.S. has pursued regime change in Cuba since the 1961 establishment of its socialist, one-party system under Fidel Castro. Within the current administration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio—a Cuban-American and prominent figure in Miami's exile community—has been a vocal advocate for pressuring Havana. Rubio has described Cuba as being in “a lot of trouble” post-Maduro, with the loss of Venezuelan support potentially leading to economic collapse unless the regime reforms. Trump amplified such sentiments by reposting and endorsing a social media suggestion that Rubio could become Cuba's president, replying, “Sounds good to me!”
Cuba's leadership has shown no signs of yielding. Díaz-Canel reiterated on Monday that no current talks are underway with the U.S., insisting any dialogue must be based on “sovereign equality, mutual respect, principles of International Law, and mutual benefit without interference in internal affairs.” The government has called for Maduro's release and condemned the intervention as an act of aggression.
The developments have heightened regional tensions, with observers warning of potential economic hardship in Cuba, including energy shortages, and possible increased migration pressures toward the U.S. Mexico has emerged as an alternative oil supplier, but it remains unclear if it can fully compensate for the Venezuelan shortfall. International reactions vary, with allies like Russia and China criticizing U.S. actions, while some Latin American nations express concern over sovereignty violations.
As the standoff continues, the interplay between U.S. leverage over Venezuelan oil and Cuba's defiant posture will likely shape hemispheric relations in the coming months, testing the resilience of Havana's socialist system amid unprecedented external pressures.
