During the conclusion of the third episode of his radio program on Radio Rebelde this Thursday, Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged that several nations are likely to retract their longstanding support for Cuba in the impending United Nations vote concerning the U.S. embargo scheduled for October 28. He attributed this shift to mounting pressure from Washington.
"We are aware that some will change their vote out of fear of U.S. pressure," the Cuban leader stated as the program Shared Criteria, co-hosted alongside journalist Bárbara Betancourt, wrapped up at Radio Rebelde studios.
What the broadcast did not reveal was that Díaz-Canel had pre-prepared his response. When Betancourt brought up the U.N. topic—emphasizing the importance of not overlooking the upcoming vote—Díaz-Canel replied by reading almost verbatim from cue cards, in an exchange that, like the rest of the program, was meticulously scripted beforehand.
In his remarks, the leader described the U.S. diplomatic campaign as "an intense diplomatic and communicational offensive unlike any before," accusing Secretary of State Marco Rubio of spearheading direct pressure and blackmail against heads of state to sway their stance.
The immediate catalyst was the "Cuba Libre: The Oppression Havana Hides" forum, orchestrated by U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Mike Waltz, on October 19 and 20 at the organization's headquarters. The event was attended by Cuban political prisoners such as José Daniel Ferrer and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, alongside American researchers and legislators.
Díaz-Canel labeled the gathering as a "clandestine meeting with a panel paid by the State Department," including what he termed as convicted criminals or individuals linked to terrorist organizations. He specifically pointed out Orlando Gutiérrez Boronat—whom Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla accuses of being a terrorist and fraudster—as one of the panelists. Gutiérrez Boronat refuted these accusations on the same day.
During the event, Cuban diplomats confronted the activists in what was described as a repudiation act within the U.N. premises.
The Cuban leader also acknowledged that certain countries might choose to abstain or exit the room to avoid taking a stand, describing this maneuver with a telling phrase: "voting with God and the devil."
These statements emerge amid a period of continuous decline for the Cuban regime within this multilateral forum. In October 2025, the resolution garnered only 165 votes in favor—down from 187 in 2024—with 7 against and 12 abstentions, marking the lowest result since 2010.
For this edition, U.S. pressure has intensified on multiple fronts. Rubio directly engaged with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to urge alignment with Washington. Germany, which has unyieldingly supported the Cuban resolution since 2002, is considering altering its stance for the first time in 24 years.
The historical peak in support for the resolution was 191 votes in 2016, during the rapprochement between Barack Obama and the Cuban regime, with no votes against. Since then, support has consistently waned, and the upcoming vote on October 28 could set a new low.
Key Questions on the Upcoming U.N. Vote on Cuba
What is causing the shift in support for Cuba at the U.N.?
The shift in support is attributed to mounting diplomatic pressure from the United States, urging nations to reconsider their stance on the Cuban resolution.
Who is leading the U.S. campaign against Cuba's support at the U.N.?
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reportedly spearheading the campaign, involving direct pressure and persuasion of international leaders to change their vote.
How has Germany's position on the Cuban resolution changed?
For the first time in 24 years, Germany is considering changing its historically consistent support for the Cuban resolution, possibly due to increased U.S. influence.