In a tone reflecting his feeling of being cornered, Miguel Díaz-Canel responded this Sunday to the verbal and political offensive launched by Donald Trump from Washington.
His message, shared on social media, emerges amidst an unprecedented escalation of regional tension, leaving the Cuban regime without its main external supporter and facing a direct threat of total isolation.
"Those who turn everything into a business, even human lives, have no moral standing to point fingers at Cuba," the visibly irritated Cuban leader wrote.
In his post, he accused the United States of acting with "rage" over the Cuban people's decision to maintain their political model and again blamed the embargo for the country's hardships.
The message concluded with a warning that "no one dictates to us what to do." Additionally, he stated that Cuba "does not threaten, it prepares" and is ready to defend itself "to the last drop of blood."
Díaz-Canel's response came hours after Trump issued an unprecedented ultimatum to the Havana regime. From his account on Truth Social, the American president announced the definitive end of oil and money that Cuba received for years from Venezuela in exchange for "security services" to the Chávez regime. "There will be no more oil or money for Cuba. Nothing!" Trump declared, advising Havana to "reach an agreement before it's too late."
The message had an immediate impact, not only due to its threatening tone but also because of the context following the recent capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro after a U.S. military operation in Caracas, and confirmation that dozens of Venezuelan and Cuban soldiers died during the offensive.
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez denied that Cuba ever charged for security services. However, beyond the denials, the nervousness is palpable.
Díaz-Canel's reaction also coincided with symbolic gestures that have further ignited social media. Trump shared an image generated by artificial intelligence showing him smoking a cigar on a Havana street, surrounded by Cuban flags and classic cars.
Cuban Regime Under Pressure Amidst U.S. Tensions
What was the main message of Díaz-Canel's response?
Díaz-Canel's main message was a defiant stance against the United States, emphasizing that Cuba will not be dictated to and is prepared to defend itself at all costs.
How did Trump escalate tensions with Cuba?
Trump escalated tensions by issuing a strong ultimatum, announcing the end of oil and financial support Cuba received from Venezuela, and urging Havana to negotiate before it's too late.
What was the reaction of the Cuban government to Trump's ultimatum?
The Cuban government, through Díaz-Canel, responded with defiance, asserting that Cuba will not succumb to external pressures and will maintain its political stance.