Cuban president promises ‘impregnable resistance’ to any US attempt to control island
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel declared Tuesday that the nation would resist any U.S. attempt to seize control with “impregnable resistance,” as power began to return to parts of the island after a nationwide grid failure. The remarks came amid ongoing tensions, with Díaz-Canel condemning Washington’s long-standing efforts to isolate Cuba and framing its current economic struggles as a tool for “outrageous pretext.” In a defiant X post, he described the U.S. as applying a “fierce economic war” as collective punishment, emphasizing Cuba’s readiness to counter any external aggression.
US Threats and Cuban Response
US President Donald Trump had previously mocked Cuba’s communist leadership, threatening a takeover. On Monday, he hinted at imminent action, stating Tuesday, “We’ll be doing something with Cuba very soon.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, asserting that Cuba requires “new people in charge” to fix its faltering economy. “Their economy doesn’t work…They’re in a lot of trouble,” Rubio remarked, suggesting the current leadership was incapable of addressing the crisis.
Economic Strain and Power Crisis
The power outage exacerbated Cuba’s economic challenges, which intensified after the U.S. blocked its oil supply earlier this year. This disruption left the aging electricity network vulnerable, plunging most of the island’s 10 million people into darkness. On Monday, residents resorted to cooking with torches and candles as fuel shortages halted dump truck operations, causing trash to pile up in some areas. School schedules were altered, and major sports events were delayed, highlighting the disruption to daily life.
By Tuesday afternoon, power had been restored to approximately 55% of Havana’s residents and select regions in the west and central-east. Despite this partial recovery, the outages added to the mounting difficulties Cubans face, as sporadic electricity cuts have persisted for months. The situation has amplified public frustration, yet Havana resident Marianela Alvarez expressed a desire for peace, telling Reuters, “We, as people, as civilians, aren’t prepared for a war. I want Trump to understand, to leave us alone.”
Hope and Doubt Amid Uncertainty
While some Cubans, like Luis Enrique Garcia, remain hopeful for dialogue, others are skeptical. Garcia told Reuters he believes talks will lead to “dialogue and understanding,” emphasizing that love, not conflict, should unite humanity. However, Havana resident Amed Echenique doubted Trump’s commitment to peace, stating, “I don’t trust a dialogue with Trump. I don’t trust Trump as a person, even with the little I know about him. And so that’s something that doesn’t really give me hope.”
Díaz-Canel confirmed on Friday that Cuban officials had engaged in discussions with the U.S. to “identify the bilateral problems that need a solution.” This marked the first official acknowledgment from Havana of ongoing talks, though Trump had previously claimed Washington was already in negotiations. The president’s pledge of resistance underscores Cuba’s resolve as it navigates economic pressures and geopolitical threats.
