Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla responded on Sunday to a statement made by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social. Trump had accused the Havana regime of receiving oil and money from Venezuela in exchange for "security services" to protect dictators Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro.
"#Cuba has never received any monetary or material compensation for security services provided to any country," Rodríguez declared on his X account. "Unlike #USA, we do not engage in mercenary activities, nor do we resort to blackmail or military coercion against other nations."
The Foreign Minister's response aimed to refute Trump's assertions, which included claims that “most of those Cubans are dead” following a U.S. attack in Caracas and stating "no more oil or money for Cuba: zero."
Rodríguez Parrilla defended Cuba's right to maintain commercial relations with other countries "without interference or subordination to the unilateral coercive measures of the United States," emphasizing that "law and justice are on Cuba's side."
Accusations of U.S. Hegemony
Furthermore, the Cuban Foreign Minister accused Washington of acting like a "criminal and uncontrolled hegemon" that threatens peace and security not only in Cuba and the hemisphere but globally.
This exchange takes place amid heightened regional tensions following a U.S. military operation that captured Maduro in Caracas. Diplomatic sources have confirmed that Washington is keeping Cuba under "close observation" for its potential involvement in Venezuelan security networks and is considering additional sanctions.
Resistance Amid Vulnerability
In Havana, the authoritarian regime attempts to project an image of defiance, with military exercises and messages of "unity and firmness." However, the warnings from Washington and the loss of its main political and economic ally leave Miguel Díaz-Canel's government facing an unprecedented scenario of vulnerability.
Rodríguez Parrilla's response, while defiant, hints at an attempt to mitigate the political impact of Trump's statements and to reinforce the official narrative: Cuba is standing firm, but the strain is palpable.
Understanding the U.S.-Cuba-Venezuela Tensions
What did Donald Trump accuse Cuba of?
Donald Trump accused Cuba of receiving oil and money from Venezuela in return for providing security services to protect Venezuelan leaders Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro.
How did Bruno Rodríguez respond to Trump's accusations?
Bruno Rodríguez refuted the claims, asserting that Cuba has never received monetary or material compensation for security services from any nation and criticized the U.S. for mercenary activities.
What is the current situation between the U.S. and Cuba?
The U.S. is closely monitoring Cuba due to its potential involvement in Venezuelan security matters and is considering further sanctions, amidst a climate of regional tension.