Cuba's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, has credited the country's ongoing functionality amid the energy crisis to the regime itself. In an exclusive interview with NBC News during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he highlighted the government's role in keeping the nation operational.
"I would argue that the circumstances in which Cuba operates today and the fact that the country remains functional with relative stability is an impressive result thanks to the efficiency of our government's strategies and, above all, the people's involvement in solving or mitigating problems," stated the Foreign Minister.
The interview, conducted by NBC's Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent, Andrea Mitchell, took place on September 24, a day after President Donald Trump labeled Cuba as a "completely failed state" at the 81st UN General Assembly, predicting the regime's downfall.
The Cuban delegation exited the room in protest as Trump delivered his remarks.
Blame on U.S. Sanctions for Power Crisis
Rodríguez placed the blame for the island's power crisis solely on U.S. sanctions, dismissing any internal shortcomings of the regime. "There's a brutal energy siege today equivalent to a naval blockade, which is an act of war. For many months, not a single fuel shipment has reached Cuba," he asserted.
He also touted the government's solar expansion as a success: "We've managed an impressive investment in photovoltaic energy that now sustains more than half of our electricity generation during daylight hours."
However, this claim clashes with independent data suggesting renewable energy contributes only about 9% to the total generation as of August 2026, far below the 50% Rodríguez claims.
Furthermore, September 2026 saw electrical deficits exceeding 2,000 MW, with power outages spanning almost the entire day in numerous provinces.
Humanitarian Impact and Diplomatic Talks
When questioned about whether power cuts existed before the fuel blockade, indicating structural issues, Rodríguez acknowledged, "Cuba has faced challenges with the electrical system at different times," but insisted, "the situation is entirely different now."
Rodríguez described the humanitarian impact of the sanctions as "very painful," labeling them as a "true act of collective punishment" and "genocide according to international conventions."
He noted that infant mortality rose from four deaths per 1,000 live births to 9.9, and the survival rate of Cuban children with cancer dropped from 85% to 65%.
The infant mortality figure of 9.9 per 1,000 live births is from the end of 2025, according to Cuba's Ministry of Public Health. Independent analysts suggest the deterioration is due to both sanctions and decades of failed economic management under the one-party system.
Regarding diplomatic discussions with Washington, Rodríguez confirmed contacts have occurred but without results. "I shouldn't go into details, but I can confirm there have been some instances of conversation and reiterate the willingness to continue them despite the lack of results due to the U.S. side's incomprehension and restrictive attitude," he said.
Response to U.S. Criticism
Rodríguez also addressed remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said some regime members have "blood on their hands" and the U.S. could "never work with them." Rodríguez's response was succinct: "He lies, lies again."
This Friday, CBS News reported that the U.S. Army Reserve is assessing the availability of military units for the Southern Command within 90 to 120 days, a plan officials linked to Cuba, though no deployment orders have been confirmed.
Understanding Cuba's Current Challenges
What has Bruno Rodríguez credited for Cuba's ability to remain functional?
Bruno Rodríguez has credited the Cuban government's strategies and the people's involvement for the country's ongoing functionality amid the energy crisis.
How does Rodríguez explain the island's power crisis?
Rodríguez attributes the power crisis in Cuba solely to U.S. sanctions, describing it as a brutal energy siege equivalent to a naval blockade.
What is the contradiction in Rodríguez's claim about renewable energy?
While Rodríguez claims that solar energy sustains more than half of the electricity during daylight hours, independent data suggests renewable energy contributes only about 9% to the total generation.