The Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, dismissed the new six-million-dollar humanitarian aid package announced by the United States on Thursday, accusing Washington of "typical hypocrisy."
In a social media post, the official lambasted the U.S. government for pledging to "send a few beans, rice, canned goods, and rechargeable lamps" to some Cubans in the eastern provinces while, as he claimed, subjecting the entire nation to a ruthless economic war that deprives the island of fuel.
According to Fernández de Cossío, coercive measures implemented by Washington exceed $5 billion annually, directly affecting food production, electric power generation, healthcare services, water supply, and transportation, among other vital sectors.
"The U.S. government imposes sanctions that harm the daily lives of millions of Cubans while promising humanitarian aid at exorbitant prices to conduct a dirty political business," the diplomat wrote.
Furthermore, the deputy minister asserted that if U.S. officials were truthful, they would acknowledge the "effective track record of Cuban authorities" in distributing international aid, which, he claimed, is supported by United Nations agencies and allied governments.
Fernández de Cossío's statements were in response to the announcement from the State Department, confirming an additional six million dollars in direct assistance for the Cuban people, in partnership with the Catholic Church and Caritas. This funding is intended to provide basic food and essential supplies to the victims of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated eastern Cuba in October 2025.
Washington has emphasized that the resources will not be funneled through the Cuban regime but will be delivered directly by local parishes to avoid any diversion or political control over the aid.
In its statement, the State Department warned Miguel Díaz-Canel's government that any attempt to interfere with the distribution of resources "will have consequences" and reiterated that the assistance aims to benefit the population directly, not the power structures in Havana.
Meanwhile, the Cuban regime continues to maintain its stance of defiance, accusing Washington of escalating economic pressure at a time when the country is experiencing one of its most severe energy and food crises in recent memory.
U.S. Humanitarian Aid to Cuba: Key Questions
What is the value of the humanitarian aid announced by the U.S.?
The United States announced a humanitarian aid package valued at six million dollars for the Cuban people.
How will the aid be distributed in Cuba?
The aid will be distributed directly by local parishes in collaboration with the Catholic Church and Caritas, bypassing the Cuban government to avoid political control.
What is the Cuban government's response to the U.S. aid?
The Cuban government has criticized the U.S. aid, labeling it as hypocritical and accusing Washington of economic aggression that impacts various sectors in Cuba.