Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Cuba, declaring the island nation isolated and vulnerable following the US-led operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from power. In social media posts from Mar-a-Lago, Trump emphasised that Cuba would no longer receive oil shipments and financial support from Venezuela.
Trump wrote: 'Cuba long lived off Venezuelan oil and money and offered security in return. BUT NOT ANYMORE! THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO!' He urged Cuban leaders to 'make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,' without specifying terms.
The warning comes amid reports that US forces have intercepted tankers involved in Venezuelan oil exports, cutting off a key lifeline for Cuba's economy. Cuba's government reported that 32 of its military and security personnel were killed during the operation in Caracas, where they had been stationed under a bilateral agreement providing protection in exchange for discounted oil.
In response, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel accused those who 'turn everything into a business, even human lives' of lacking moral authority. He defended Cuba's revolutionary model and blamed US-imposed 'draconian measures' for severe economic shortages, including blackouts and fuel queues.
Cuba has long argued that US sanctions have inflicted enormous damage, estimating losses exceeding £5.6 billion between March 2024 and February 2025 alone. Analysts warn that with Venezuelan oil cut off, blackouts and shortages could intensify, potentially fuelling unrest on the island.
