Cuba Condemns New US Coercive Actions as Collective Punishment

Washington (ANTARA) - Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated on Friday (1/5) that Cuba “firmly” rejects the “unilateral coercive actions” recently adopted by the United States (US).

“These actions demonstrate an intent to once again impose collective punishment on the Cuban people,” Rodriguez wrote on the social media platform X.

His statement comes after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing new sanctions on individuals and entities associated with Cuba, citing concerns about threats to US national security and foreign policy.

“It is no coincidence that these actions were announced on 1 May,” Rodriguez said, referring to International Labour Day (May Day), when large-scale demonstrations are routinely held in Cuba.

He noted that millions of Cubans participated in demonstrations condemning the US blockade and what he described as an “energy siege.”

“While the US government represses its own people on the streets, it seeks to punish our people, who heroically resist US imperialist aggression,” he said.

“These actions are extraterritorial and violate the UN Charter. The US has no right whatsoever to impose measures against Cuba or against third countries or entities,” Rodriguez added.

A UN spokesperson on Friday (1/5) warned of the worsening humanitarian situation due to the energy crisis disrupting essential services across Cuba.

The island nation is facing a fuel crisis following the US oil embargo imposed on 30 January, along with widespread power outages.

Trump has repeatedly stated that Cuba is “next” after US military operations against Iran and that the island nation will “soon collapse”.