Anayansi Rodríguez Camejo, Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated in a recent interview with Deutsche Welle that the nation is poised to stand firm against any potential military aggression from the United States, vowing to fight to the very last breath of every patriotic Cuban.
The interview took place in Berlin, where Rodríguez Camejo was on a diplomatic tour that included stops in Geneva and Brussels. During her 48-hour visit, she engaged in seven meetings with a wide array of German political figures, including representatives from Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU party.
Emphasizing Readiness and Dialogue
"Should such a military venture occur, we are prepared to confront and resist it with unwavering determination," Rodríguez Camejo declared. Yet, she emphasized Cuba's preference for dialogue, expressing hope that Washington would refrain from embarking on a military escapade.
These statements emerge amid an unprecedented spike in rhetorical tensions. Former President Donald Trump publicly speculated about "making a stop in Cuba" after concluding the conflict with Iran, hinting at ushering in a "new dawn" for the island that might involve a "friendly or otherwise" takeover.
U.S. Military Preparations and Cuban Responses
According to a USA Today report, the Pentagon has been discreetly stepping up its military planning concerning Cuba, pending presidential directives. Earlier, on April 7, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel had threatened a "guerrilla war" in an interview with Newsweek, marking his first discussion with a U.S. media outlet since 2023. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed these remarks, saying, "I don't give much thought to what he has to say."
Rodríguez Camejo reiterated in her Deutsche Welle interview that Cuba has not instigated these tensions and remains open to dialogue "without preconditions," although she made it clear that Cuba's political system, leadership, and socialist model are non-negotiable.
Historical Context and Current Energy Crisis
The deputy minister invoked the historical 1960 memorandum by then-Under Secretary of State Lester Mallory, declassified in 1991, arguing that the embargo's aim was always to "create desperation and discontent through economic suffocation to provoke government overthrow." She dismissed recent popular protests as "politically manipulated."
This assertion is noteworthy given the documentation by Cubalex of 156 protests across Cuba by March 17, 2026, the largest wave since the July 11 protests of 2021, driven by power outages exceeding 20 hours daily and a generation deficit of up to 1,945 megawatts affecting over half the nation.
Energy Claims and Reality
Rodríguez Camejo also claimed that Cuba now produces "almost 50% of the oil it consumes" and has inaugurated "nearly 50 large photovoltaic solar parks" within a year. However, independent sources suggest renewable energy accounts for only about 10-15% of total capacity, a stark contrast to the harsh energy reality faced by citizens.
The crisis worsened after Trump signed Executive Order 14380 on January 29, 2026, labeling the Cuban regime as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" and enforcing an energy blockade that pressured shipping companies, insurers, and third countries to halt oil supplies to the island. Relief came on March 30, when a Russian tanker docked in Matanzas with approximately 180,000 barrels of diesel, enough for just nine or ten days of demand.
The United Nations has prioritized humanitarian aid for two million people across 63 municipalities in eight Cuban provinces due to the severity of the crisis.
Rodríguez Camejo's comments coincided with the 65th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion, a date laden with symbolic significance for the Cuban regime, historically used to bolster its narrative of resilience against Washington.
Understanding Cuba-U.S. Relations Amidst Tensions
What is the current state of Cuba-U.S. relations?
Relations between Cuba and the United States are strained, marked by increased rhetorical tension and military posturing. The situation is exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and Cuba's claims of readiness to defend itself against potential U.S. aggression.
How is Cuba addressing its energy crisis?
Cuba claims to produce nearly half of its consumed oil and has developed several large solar parks. However, independent reports indicate that renewable energy contributes only a small fraction to the total capacity, highlighting the ongoing severe energy crisis.
What role does the embargo play in Cuba's current situation?
The embargo is cited by Cuban officials as a key factor in the country's economic hardships, with accusations that it aims to create desperation to incite regime change. The embargo's effects are compounded by recent U.S. measures that restrict energy supplies.