President Donald Trump has dramatically ramped up pressure on Cuba, declaring that no more Venezuelan oil or money will reach the island nation. In a recent statement, Trump urged Cuba to “make a deal” with the United States “BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” highlighting the island’s long-standing reliance on its South American ally.
Historically, Venezuela has been Cuba’s primary oil supplier. However, these crucial shipments have recently halted following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces and a strict US oil blockade. This move comes even as Venezuela and the US are reportedly negotiating a separate $2 billion deal for oil, with proceeds held in US-supervised accounts – a significant test for the new relationship between Trump and interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez.
Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez, quickly pushed back, asserting his country’s right to import fuel from any willing supplier. He also denied claims that Cuba received financial compensation for providing security services, a charge that surfaced after Cuban personnel were killed during the US raid in Venezuela.
For years, Cuba has depended on imported crude and fuel, primarily from Venezuela and, to a lesser extent, Mexico, to power its economy. While Venezuela’s supply has dwindled, it still covered a significant portion of Cuba’s oil needs last year. Mexico has recently stepped up as an alternative, but current volumes remain small, leaving Cuba in a precarious energy situation.
US intelligence assessments paint a picture of severe strain on key Cuban economic sectors like agriculture and tourism, battered by frequent blackouts and trade sanctions. While these assessments don’t fully support Trump’s prediction that the island is “ready to fall,” they do suggest that the potential loss of Venezuelan support will make governing increasingly difficult for President Miguel Diaz Canel. The stakes are clearly high in this escalating international standoff.
Source: https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/9149395/trump-says-no-more-venezuelan-oil-money-to-go-to-cuba/
