The United States president has described Cuba as a “failed state” and called on Havana to reach an agreement with the U.S. He also spoke of a “humanitarian threat” amid a fuel shortage.
Cuba is experiencing a worsening economic and energy crisis as the U.S. Restricts oil supplies. Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in early January, Washington directed a halt to Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba. Venezuela had been a key oil supplier to the island nation.
At the end of January, Donald Trump further tightened economic pressure on Havana, threatening additional U.S. Tariffs on countries that continue to supply the island with oil. Mexico has sent aid shipments to Cuba and Spain indicated it would take similar steps.
Cuba is already facing frequent power outages, as well as shortages of food, and medicine. The government has moved to limit fuel sales and impose restrictions on public transportation.
