The United States has intensified its campaign against Cuba, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that a negotiated settlement with the island's communist government is unlikely. The Trump administration has charged former Cuban president Raúl Castro with conspiracy to kill US nationals, four counts of murder, and two counts of destruction of aircraft over the downing of two planes in 1996. Critics draw parallels to the indictment of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro, which preceded his capture by US forces.
Anonymous US officials have leaked intelligence claiming Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones, allegedly posing a threat to the US base at Guantánamo Bay. However, analysts dismiss this as a pretext for potential military action, reminiscent of the false claims of weapons of mass destruction used to justify the Iraq war. President Trump has openly expressed his desire to 'take Cuba', and the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier has arrived in the Caribbean for what is described as a maritime exercise.
The US economic embargo, tightened by Trump in January with an oil blockade, has devastated Cuba's economy. Ordinary Cubans face severe hardship: petrol prices have risen from $1.20 to $8 per litre, while the average monthly salary is around $16. Medical staff struggle to afford travel to hospitals, which lack essential medicines. Many citizens blame the US sanctions, though some also criticise their own government's policies.
Despite the pressure, there are signs of defiance. When the US attacked Caracas in January, 32 Cuban troops died resisting. Cuban journalist Daniel Montero notes that the government's popularity is at an all-time low, and the sanctions are succeeding in wearing down public support. However, some Cubans express a willingness to defend their sovereignty, with one painter stating, 'Cubans have always defended ourselves – with a machete, with a stick.'
