Cuba accuses US of energy blockade and humanitarian crisis push at UN

September 27, 2026 at 02:31 AM2 min

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Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla told the UN General Assembly that US pressure on Cuba has reached unprecedented levels, including an energy blockade since January 2026. He said more than 7,000 containers with food, medicine and equipment are blocked in ports, and accused Washington of seeking to provoke a humanitarian crisis and regime change.

Key Facts

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla accused the US of imposing an energy blockade on Cuba since January 2026.
More than 7,000 containers with food, medicine and medical equipment are blocked in various ports, according to Rodriguez.
Rodriguez said Washington pressures foreign companies and governments to limit trade and cooperation with Havana.
The Cuban minister warned that the threat of military force against Cuba remains and would violate international law.

UN General Assembly Address

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla spoke at the general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. He said US pressure on Cuba has reached an unprecedented level, with Washington tightening restrictions since January 2026. Rodriguez described the measures as an energy blockade that prevents fuel supplies from other countries.

Economic Warfare Allegations

Rodriguez said American measures affect almost all areas of Cuba's foreign economic relations, from food and medicine to tourism, investment and access to finance and technology. He stated that more than 7,000 containers remain blocked in various ports, many containing food, medicine and medical equipment. The minister accused Washington of pressuring foreign companies and governments to restrict trade and cooperation with Havana. Rodriguez said the economic war is aimed at the people and that the consequences cannot be considered collateral damage.

Response to US President

Rodriguez responded to US President Donald Trump's recent UN address, in which Trump called Cuba a failed state. The Cuban minister asked why a fuel blockade and secondary sanctions would be necessary if Cuba were truly a failed state. He warned that the threat of military force against Cuba remains and would violate international law. Rodriguez said Cuba would use its legitimate right to self-defense with full determination if such a step occurred.