After Venezuela, there is no nation in the Americas more affected by the events in Caracas than Cuba.
The two nations have shared a political vision of state-led socialism since Hugo Chávez met Fidel Castro in 1999. Their ties, nurtured by Venezuelan oil supplies in exchange for Cuban medical assistance, have deepened over the years.
With Maduro's removal orchestrated by a US military operation, the future looks bleak for Cuba, already grappling with an economic crisis. The Cuban government has condemned the military's actions and declared mourning for the 32 Cuban nationals killed during the operation.
Notably, Maduro's security detail was largely composed of Cuban nationals, reflecting Cuba's deep-seated influence in Venezuela's military and intelligence sectors. Critics suggest that this interference led to growing rifts within the Venezuelan government concerning their reliance on Cuban support.
Despite ongoing solidarity between the two nations, there is an emerging perception in Venezuela that the balance of benefits has shifted unfavorably against their interests.
Currently, Cuba receives about 35,000 barrels of oil daily from Venezuela – a lifeline that, if severed, poses a significant threat to the island's economic stability, especially in light of the Trump administration's strategies impacting fuel availability.
As Cuba endures rolling blackouts and a struggling healthcare system amidst disease outbreaks, the prospect of a reduced oil flow fills its citizens with dread. Trump’s administration has made clear that future compliance from the new Venezuelan leadership is anticipated, and threats of further consequences loom if they fail to comply.
While the US maintains its strategic interests in the region, Cuba's resistance against American intervention demonstrates its enduring commitment to its revolutionary principles even in these challenging times.
In a defiant stance, Díaz-Canel honored the fallen Cuban soldiers as heroes, underscoring the island's resolve to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
