Cuban president promises ‘impregnable resistance’ to any US attempt to control island
Cuban President Vows ‘Unbreakable Stand’ Against U.S. Control
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel declared Tuesday that the nation would resist any U.S. attempt to seize control with “unbreakable resistance,” as electricity began restoring to certain areas after a nationwide blackout. The leader’s remarks came as the government confirmed discussions with Washington to address bilateral disputes, marking the first official acknowledgment from Havana.
Historical Context
For over six decades, successive U.S. administrations have aimed to distance Cuba from global engagement, according to Díaz-Canel, who accused Washington of exploiting economic challenges as a “pretext for aggression.” He framed the current situation as part of a broader strategy to impose a “collective punishment” on the Cuban people through persistent economic pressure.
Economic Strain
The crisis deepened when the U.S. disrupted Cuba’s oil supply, crippling its aging power grid. This left millions without electricity, forcing households to rely on gas lamps and candles for cooking. Schools reduced hours, sports events were delayed, and neighborhoods faced sanitation issues due to stalled garbage trucks.
Public Sentiment
While residents expressed concern, many emphasized their desire to avoid conflict. Marianela Alvarez, a Havana resident, told Reuters that “as civilians, we are not ready for war.” She urged Trump to “let us be alone.” Conversely, Luis Enrique Garcia acknowledged the nation’s vulnerability but still clung to hope for diplomatic engagement, stating that “love should unite humans, not war.”
However, not all shared this optimism. Amed Echenique, another local, doubted the effectiveness of dialogue with Trump, saying, “I don’t trust Trump as a person, even with the little I know about him.” By Tuesday afternoon, power had resumed for about 55% of Havana’s population, with partial recovery in central and western regions.
Recent U.S. Threats
Trump had previously hinted at taking decisive action against Cuba, stating that “we’ll be doing something with Cuba very soon.” His comments prompted Secretary of State Marco Rubio to assert that the country needs “new leaders” to address its economic struggles, claiming the current administration “doesn’t know how to fix it.”
