Cuban president promises ‘impregnable resistance’ to any US attempt to control island
Cuban President Vows Unyielding Defense Against U.S. Control Amid Power Crisis
Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel declared Tuesday that the nation would respond to any U.S. effort to seize control with “unshakable resistance,” following a partial recovery of electricity in parts of the country after a nationwide grid failure. The president’s words underscored a defiant stance against Washington’s long-standing efforts to weaken Cuba economically.
Historical Context of U.S. Pressure
Díaz-Canel highlighted the U.S.’s decades of attempts to isolate Cuba, framing the current crisis as a result of “economic fragility” being used as an “exaggerated excuse.” He accused the U.S. of imposing a punitive economic campaign to pressure the entire population, calling it a strategy of “collective punishment.”
Trump’s Threats and Rubio’s Remarks
Former President Donald Trump had previously mocked Cuba’s leadership, hinting at potential intervention. On Tuesday, he reiterated: “We’ll be doing something with Cuba very soon.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio added, “Cuba needs new people in charge. Their economy doesn’t work… They’re in trouble, and the current leadership can’t fix it, so they must change.”
Severe Economic and Logistical Impact
Since the U.S. cut off Cuba’s oil supply earlier this year, the nation has faced a crippling economic blow. The loss of its primary fuel source has strained the aging power grid, leaving over 10 million people without electricity on Monday. Residents resorted to cooking with gas lamps and candles, while schools shortened hours and sports events were delayed. Waste removal also stalled in some areas due to lack of fuel for trucks.
Partial Power Restoration and Persistent Challenges
By Tuesday afternoon, electricity had been restored to roughly 55% of Havana’s residents, with limited recovery in western and central-eastern regions. Despite this progress, the outages have deepened the hardships Cubans endure, compounding their struggles with frequent blackouts and uncertain conditions.
Public Sentiment Amid Uncertainty
Cubans expressed mixed reactions to the looming threat of U.S. action. Marianela Alvarez, a Havana resident, told Reuters: “As people, we aren’t prepared for war. I want Trump to understand and leave us alone.” Luis Enrique Garcia acknowledged concerns but held onto hope: “I believe dialogue is possible, for love, not conflict, should unite human beings.” Amed Echenique, however, voiced doubt: “I don’t trust Trump’s dialogue. His actions, even with what I know, don’t inspire confidence.”
Diplomatic Engagement Confirmed
Díaz-Canel revealed that Cuban officials had engaged in discussions with the U.S. to address shared challenges, marking the first official confirmation from Havana. This dialogue comes as uncertainty about Washington’s next move intensifies, adding to the island’s growing anxiety and resolve.
