NEW DELHI, January 12 — President Donald Trump declared an end to all Venezuelan oil and money flowing to Cuba, demanding the Communist island strike a deal with Washington or face the consequences. Cuban leaders issued defiant rejections of the ultimatum, even as citizens endure daily blackouts and severe shortages, highlighting a nation pushed to the brink.
What is Trump’s new ultimatum to Cuba?
President Trump escalated economic pressure on Cuba, asserting that Venezuela—long Cuba’s primary oil patron—would send no more crude or financial support. “THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” he posted on Truth Social. This follows the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and a new U.S.-Venezuela oil deal worth up to $2 billion.
How is Cuba responding to the threat?
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel rejected the demand outright, framing it as an immoral imposition. “Cuba is a free, independent, and sovereign nation. Nobody dictates what we do,” he stated on social media. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez asserted Cuba’s right to import fuel from any willing supplier and denied Cuba received material compensation for security services in Venezuela, where 32 Cuban personnel were killed in the recent U.S. raid.
Can Cuba survive without Venezuelan oil?
The loss of Venezuelan supply presents a severe crisis. Cuba relied on Venezuela for roughly 50% of its oil deficit, about 26,500 barrels per day last year. No cargoes have sailed from Venezuela to Cuba since Maduro’s capture. Mexico has emerged as a small-scale alternative supplier, but President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed volumes have not significantly increased. The island already suffers crippling rolling blackouts and fuel shortages.
What is the real situation for Cubans on the ground?
Residents describe a life of severe deprivation that makes the threat of further hardship palpable yet met with resilience. “That doesn’t scare me. Not at all. The Cuban people are prepared for anything,” said vendor Alberto Jiménez, 45. Conversely, María Elena Sabina, 58, pleaded for change: “There’s no electricity here, no gas… There’s nothing here. So yes, a change is needed, and quickly.”
What do U.S. officials hope to achieve?
Trump’s push represents a strategic move to dominate the Western Hemisphere and force regional alignment. Top officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have suggested the U.S. intervention in Venezuela could critically destabilize Cuba. However, Reuters reported that U.S. intelligence assessments, while detailing a severely strained economy, do not clearly support the prediction that Cuba is “ready to fall.”
FAQs:
Q: What deal is Trump suggesting Cuba make?
A: President Trump did not elaborate on the terms of a potential deal, leaving the nature of his demands unspecified.
Q: Is Venezuela still supplying oil to the United States?
A: Yes. Washington and Caracas are progressing on a deal to supply up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to the U.S., with proceeds held in U.S.-supervised accounts.
