On Thursday, Miguel Díaz-Canel took to his X account to declare that should Washington show a "genuine willingness" to provide humanitarian relief in the announced amounts, and in line with universally accepted practices, Cuba “will not place obstacles nor show ingratitude.”
This statement marks a significant shift from the regime's initial stance, which between May 9 and 12, dismissed the $100 million offer as a "fabrication" and "deception." Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla also softened his tone today, stating that Cuba is “open to listening” to the specifics of the offer.
The aid proposal was publicly announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 8, from Rome, following a 45-minute meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, where discussions centered around Cuba and the expansion of humanitarian aid.
The State Department formalized the proposal via an official statement on Wednesday, clarifying that the funds would be allocated through the Catholic Church and independent humanitarian organizations, bypassing the Cuban government.
In his message, Díaz-Canel highlighted the "clear priorities" of fuel, food, and medicine, while describing the offer as "inconsistent and paradoxical," given that the U.S. government "systematically and ruthlessly punishes" the Cuban people.
The leader further argued that "the harm could be alleviated more easily and quickly through the lifting or easing of the blockade, as the humanitarian situation is known to be coldly calculated and induced."
This change in tone comes amid an intensifying energy crisis. On Thursday, Cuba's electrical generation shortfall set a new record, surpassing 2,204 MW during the nighttime peak, with blackouts affecting up to 70% of the country.
Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy admitted that Cuba "has absolutely no fuel, no diesel, only accompanying gas," and that the island did not receive any fuel shipments between December 2025 and the end of March 2026.
Meanwhile, Rubio reiterated from Air Force One on Wednesday that "the Cuban regime has driven the island to ruin" and that "people are literally eating garbage from the streets." He also warned that the regime must "account to the Cuban people" if it rejects the assistance.
This is not the first instance of the U.S. channeling aid to Cuba via the Church. Following Hurricane Melissa in 2025, Washington provided between six and nine million dollars distributed by Caritas, benefiting around 24,000 individuals in eastern provinces. Díaz-Canel concluded his message by acknowledging that "the experience of working with the Catholic Church is rich and productive."
Key Questions about U.S. Humanitarian Aid to Cuba
How is the U.S. planning to distribute aid to Cuba?
The U.S. plans to distribute aid to Cuba through the Catholic Church and independent humanitarian organizations, circumventing the Cuban government.
What are the priorities for Cuba in receiving aid?
The priorities for Cuba in receiving aid include fuel, food, and medicines, as highlighted by Díaz-Canel.
Why does Díaz-Canel describe the aid offer as paradoxical?
Díaz-Canel considers the aid offer paradoxical because the U.S. government simultaneously enforces policies that he claims systematically harm the Cuban population.