Cuba is currently facing one of its toughest challenges since the fall of the Soviet Union. The pressure intensified when a U.S. operation aimed at ousting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban soldiers. This attack has put Cuba’s government in a precarious position.
In response, former President Donald Trump cut Cuba off from Venezuelan oil and threatened tariffs on any country that continues to supply it. This has left Cuba in a fuel crisis, with international airlines warning they might not be able to refuel on the island. Rationing measures have been implemented, shortening school days and reducing the workweek for state-owned companies.
Professor Par Kumaraswami from the University of Nottingham notes that the situation is as dire as during the 1990s when Cuba lost support from the Eastern Bloc. He describes a rise in patriotism among Cubans, who are determined to resist external pressures. However, frustration over daily hardships remains widespread.
Travel disruptions add to Cuba’s woes. Air Canada recently suspended all flights to the island due to the ongoing fuel shortage, which is a significant hit given that tourism is a key revenue source.
Unlike past crises, Cuba lacks strong foreign allies to provide aid. The U.S. has restricted Cuba’s access to hard currency and pressured nations like Nicaragua to limit travel for Cubans. Robert Munks from Verisk Maplecroft warns that the lack of reliable energy and basic services could lead to civil unrest.
The United Nations has raised alarms about a humanitarian collapse in Cuba if the oil situation isn’t resolved soon. “The Secretary-General is extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation in Cuba,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
Cuba’s current emergency measures also test the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Helen Yaffe, a Cuba expert at the University of Glasgow, emphasizes the importance of BRICS supporting its member. Cuba recently received humanitarian aid from Mexico, with over 800 tons of supplies shipped to the island.
China has also voiced its support, condemning U.S. actions that hinder Cuba’s development. “We will continue to assist Cuba,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said. Meanwhile, Russia acknowledged the severity of Cuba’s fuel crisis and criticized U.S. pressure.
Historically, Cuba has shown resilience in challenging times. As Yaffe notes, “We’ve been here before in the early 1990s, and they pulled through.” The current moment is critical, and many are watching closely to see how Cuba navigates these relentless pressures.
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