Donald Trump has directed attention towards Cuba, calling on the country to negotiate with the US “before it’s too late”. The US President cautioned Cuba about the potential halt in oil and financial support from Venezuela, its longtime ally and primary oil provider. Venezuela reportedly sends approximately 35,000 barrels of oil daily to Cuba. Following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, by US forces in Caracas on January 3, Trump has pushed for the redirection of Venezuelan oil to the US through interim president Delcy Rodriguez.
In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “Cuba has historically relied on substantial oil and financial aid from Venezuela. In exchange, Cuba offered ‘Security Services’ for the previous two Venezuelan dictators, but that’s no longer the case!” Trump emphasized that there will be a cessation of oil and financial assistance to Cuba, urging them to negotiate before it’s too late.
Specific details regarding the desired terms of the deal proposed by Trump or the potential repercussions for Cuba remain undisclosed. Cuba has traditionally provided various personnel to Venezuela, including medical professionals, military advisors, and members of Maduro’s security team. The Cuban government reported the loss of 32 nationals who served as Maduro’s guards during the January 3 operation, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel honoring them as courageous Cuban fighters who bravely confronted the assailants.
Trump further remarked on Truth Social, “Most of those Cuban individuals perished in the recent US attack, and Venezuela no longer requires protection from the individuals who have held them captive for years. Venezuela now has the support of the United States of America, possessing the most formidable military globally, to safeguard them, and safeguard them we shall.”
As of now, the Cuban government has not issued a response to Trump’s recent warnings. While US intelligence has painted a grim picture of Cuba’s economic and political circumstances, sources familiar with confidential assessments have indicated to Reuters that there is scant evidence to support Trump’s assertion that the nation is on the brink of collapse following Maduro’s capture.