Cuba says talks with US stalled, warns sanctions deepen suffering | Ukraine news
The Cuban foreign minister warned that stalled negotiations have worsened shortages and suffering across the island. He urged dialogue while defending national sovereignty.
In Havana on Tuesday, the Cuban foreign minister said that talks started at the beginning of this year with the long-time rival – the United States – have stalled, diminishing hopes for an end to sanctions that are harming the island’s economy.
The top diplomat Bruno Rodríguez told reporters that U.S. sanctions are taking a heavy toll on the population, as the country’s economy is breaking down, and sharp shortages of food, fuel, medicines, and electricity make life for about nine million residents nearly unbearable for the country.
The talks between Cuba and the United States are not showing progress,
– Bruno Rodríguez
“In the conduct of the U.S. government delegations – usually respectful – there have been constant threats against Cuba, the use of coercive measures, and insulting statements regarding the independence of our country.”
Nevertheless, Cuba remains open to dialogue and peaceful resolution of differences – based on mutual respect and non-interference in Cuba’s internal affairs.
– Bruno Rodríguez
The U.S. State Department did not respond to a request for comment regarding the foreign minister’s statements. The United States calls the Cuban government a threat to national security and says that sanctions are needed to pressure changes in the leadership of the country.
Cuba, located about 90 miles from the Florida coast, has long denied any threat from the United States.
United Nations experts previously described the U.S. blockade of Cuba as illegal and a violation of the Cuban people’s human rights.
UN Discussions
Rodríguez also said that the U.S. State Department is pressuring UN member countries to postpone the upcoming plenary discussion on the blockade of Cuba.
Plenary debates are scheduled for July 7 and typically precede the formal but non-binding UN vote in the second half of the year, which calls on the United States to end its sanctions against Cuba.
The UN has raised this issue many times: in recent years there have been 31 votes, including in November 2025, calling to end the long-standing trade embargo. This year the vote takes on particular significance for Cuba after the U.S. administration imposed a fuel blockade and imposed new sanctions that have significantly pushed back foreign investment and almost completely destroyed the tourism sector.
Rodríguez also noted that the promised aid from the United States, to be distributed by church organizations, had been delayed.
The U.S. State Department did not respond to a request regarding the UN vote, but said that the promised aid to Cuba should arrive soon, adding that the Cuban leadership is blocking shipments.
We can confirm that the aid is ready for shipment. We expect significant deliveries in July, if the regime allows.
– a State Department spokesperson
Earlier, Cuba took steps with economic reforms that, according to officials, could be the biggest change since the 1959 revolution and a significant move toward a market economy. Rodríguez said that these reforms are a matter of sovereignty, and Cuba has not listened to and is not interested in the United States’ view.
The reforms carried out are a matter of sovereignty. We have not listened to and are not interested in the United States’ view.
– Bruno Rodríguez
In summary, the Cuban minister emphasized readiness for dialogue and respect for the country’s sovereignty, while noting that dialogue with the United States is ongoing, and the main pressure – sanctions – remains.