Cuban president promises ‘impregnable resistance’ to any US attempt to control island
Cuban President Promises Unyielding Defiance Against U.S. Control
Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel declared Tuesday that the United States would face “unshakable opposition” if it sought to dominate the island, as electricity resumed in certain areas after a widespread blackout. The crisis highlighted the fragility of Cuba’s infrastructure, with the nation’s energy grid collapsing earlier in the week, leaving millions without power. Residents resorted to using torches and candles for cooking, while schools and sports events were disrupted due to fuel shortages affecting garbage collection.
U.S. Economic Pressure and Cuban Response
Díaz-Canel criticized successive U.S. administrations for decades of isolation, calling their latest actions a “reckless justification” for economic aggression. He argued that Washington’s threats reflect a broader strategy of punishing the Cuban population as a whole. “No matter the circumstances, Cuba will stand firm against any foreign force aiming to impose control,” he emphasized in a social media post.
U.S. President Donald Trump had previously hinted at taking over Cuba, suggesting on Monday that he could act unilaterally. By Tuesday, he reiterated his intent: “We’ll implement changes in Cuba shortly.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined the rhetoric, stating that Cuba required “new leadership” to address its economic struggles. “Their system is faltering…The current leaders lack the ability to restore stability,” Rubio claimed, from the Oval Office.
Impact of the Blackout on Daily Life
The power failure compounded existing hardships for Cubans, who had already grappled with frequent outages. With the country’s oil supply cut off earlier this year, the aging electricity network was left vulnerable. On Monday, nearly all 10 million residents were affected, forcing them to rely on alternative methods for basic needs. By Tuesday afternoon, approximately 55% of Havana’s population had regained access to electricity, along with some regions in the west and central-east.
Public Sentiment and Hopes for Dialogue
“As civilians, we’re not ready for war,” said Marianela Alvarez, a Havana resident. “I want Trump to realize we need peace, not conflict.”
While many Cubans expressed frustration with U.S. policies, others remained optimistic about potential negotiations. Luis Enrique Garcia, another Havana resident, acknowledged the nation’s struggles but believed in the possibility of dialogue. “Love, not war, should bring us together,” he asserted. However, not all shared that hope. Amed Echenique, a local in Havana, questioned the sincerity of such talks. “I don’t believe Trump will follow through,” he said. “He’s unpredictable, even with the little I know about him.”
Díaz-Canel confirmed on Friday that Cuban officials had engaged in discussions with the U.S. to address shared challenges. This marked the first official acknowledgment from Havana of ongoing talks, despite Trump’s earlier claims of negotiations. The situation underscores both the resilience of Cuba’s leadership and the deepening tensions with its northern neighbor.
