This week, Mexico, China, and Russia expressed their support for Cuba’s struggling regime, though none have committed to supplying the essential oil the country urgently needs.
For many years, the Castro regime has depended on oil imports mainly from Venezuela and Mexico to keep the infrastructure running and to alleviate the humanitarian issues arising from over six decades of communist rule. However, Cuba’s oil supply from Venezuela was unexpectedly halted on January 3 after U.S. forces arrested Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in Caracas. Since then, the U.S. has gained control over Venezuela’s oil exports and is working with acting president Delcy Rodríguez to help Venezuela sell its oil profitably.
After Venezuela ceased oil shipments to Cuba, Mexico became the new largest supplier in January. However, by late January, Mexico’s state-owned oil company Pemex stopped sending oil to Cuba, and currently, there’s no confirmation that additional supplies are being sent.
Recently, President Trump signed an executive order labeling the Cuban regime a national security threat, citing Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. This decree includes tariffs on any country exporting oil to Cuba. Since then, no country has publicly declared plans to supply oil to Cuba.
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump stated, “There is no more oil or money going to Cuba, no more! I urge you to reach a deal before it’s too late.”
On Monday, Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s leftist president, addressed the situation, acknowledging that it would be “unfair” to impose tariffs on nations that send oil to Cuba, although shipments from Mexico remain suspended. She expressed that the government aims to resume these shipments as an act of solidarity with the Cuban people.
“Mexico has always shown solidarity and cannot ignore the sanctions against Cuba. Assistance in any necessary form will be provided,” Sheinbaum said, stressing the unfairness of sanctions amid a fuel shortage affecting the people.
In a press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian avoided confirming whether China would assist Cuba with its oil crisis, stating, “We would like to reiterate that China resolutely supports Cuba in safeguarding its sovereignty and resisting external interference.” He emphasized opposition to actions that hinder the Cuban people’s right to survive and develop.
Lin’s response came after Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who offered to assist Cuba “as much as possible.” Earlier, China announced an $80 million aid package for Cuba aimed at purchasing essential electrical equipment and additional rice supplies.
Russia is taking a more diplomatic approach, issuing supportive statements without directly promising aid. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized U.S. actions against Cuba and Venezuela and stressed solidarity with both nations, asserting that only the people of these countries should determine their future.
Russian Ambassador to Havana Viktor Coronelli remarked on Russian television about the so-called “energy blockade” imposed by the U.S. on Cuba, promising that Russia would not abandon its ally. He noted that efforts are underway in Cuba to boost domestic oil production and explore renewable energy, but assistance from friendly nations is still crucial.
Last week, the U.S. State Department announced a new humanitarian aid package of $6 million, designated to be delivered directly to the Cuban populace through a partnership with the Catholic Church and Caritas. This initiative aims to aid over 1,000 families still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa from the previous year. The State Department reassured that there would be no obstacles to delivering this vital assistance, pledging to remain vigilant against any potential diversions of aid.
