Big news out of the Caribbean! US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Cuba: the days of receiving oil and financial aid from Venezuela are officially over. In a blunt social media post, Trump declared, “THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”
This isn’t just a political statement; it’s a significant shift in regional dynamics. For years, Venezuela has been Cuba’s primary lifeline for oil, covering a substantial portion of the island’s energy needs. However, following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces, President Trump successfully pressured interim President Delcy Rodriguez to reroute Venezuelan oil shipments directly to the United States.
For Cuba, this development is nothing short of devastating. The island nation already faces immense economic challenges. US intelligence reports paint a grim picture, noting severe strains on key sectors like agriculture and tourism, exacerbated by frequent power blackouts and trade sanctions. The loss of Venezuelan oil, which supplied an average of 27,000 barrels per day – roughly half of Cuba’s oil deficit – will undoubtedly plunge the country into an even deeper energy crisis.
Cuba has relied on Venezuelan support for decades, ever since Fidel Castro’s revolution in 1959. Now, with that crucial backing abruptly cut off, the pressure is on Havana to navigate an uncertain future. Trump’s message is clear: make a deal with Washington, or face severe economic consequences. The coming months will reveal how Cuba responds to this unprecedented challenge.
Source: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/americas/trump-warning-cuba-no-more-oil-or-money-suggests-deal
