Full Breakdown
Cuba Says It Is Not Seeking Conflict but Remains Ready to Defend Against U.S. Threats
5/28/2026, 5:00:18 AM
Diplomatic Channel Remains Open
Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Josefina Vidal Ferreiro told PBS that “the channel for dialogue is open” and that Cuba has always favored talks with the United States as the only way to resolve differences. She added that Cuban officials doubt the seriousness of U.S. engagement because Washington continues to implement measures that heavily affect the Cuban population.
Humanitarian Situation Worsens Amid U.S. Pressure
The island received a recent tranche of humanitarian aid from China while its people face severe hunger, hours-long daily power outages, and an oil blockade that has left the country without a single drop of oil for five months. Vidal said surgeries have been postponed and that health services, education and water supply are all under strain.
Cuban Rebuttal to U.S. Threat Allegations
Vidal rejected U.S. claims that Cuba hosts foreign military bases or serves as a listening post for China or Russia, stating that “the United States has never presented any evidence officially to Cuba” and labeling the accusations a “pretext” used to justify escalation and collective punishment. She emphasized that Cuba has no foreign bases except the U.S. Naval Guantanamo facility, which Cuba calls an illegal occupation.
Official Statements from the United States
U.S. officials have framed Cuba as a national-security threat. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a “failed state 90 miles from our shores is a threat to the United States” and pledged to work toward “something good for the Cuban people.” President Donald Trump has publicly asserted that he can “do anything he wants in Cuba” and has referenced potential regime-change talks. The administration also cited alleged Chinese and Russian intelligence operations, increased surveillance flights, and the positioning of an aircraft carrier in the Caribbean as evidence of a hostile posture.
Criticism & Opposition
Vidal characterized U.S. policy as “collective punishment” and an “existential threat” to Cuba, accusing Washington of using the threat narrative to justify economic pressure. She criticized Rubio for “not knowing Cuba” and for lacking familiarity with Cuban history, suggesting his messages reflect an intent to dictate Cuba’s political system.
Data on Shortages and Infrastructure Strain
- Humanitarian aid: a recent Chinese tranche.
- Power: hours-long outages most of each day.
- Oil: no deliveries for five months.
- Health: postponed surgeries.
- Food: massive shortages reported across the island.
Conflicting Claims and Evidentiary Gaps
U.S. officials allege intelligence-gathering stations, Chinese and Russian personnel, and potential military bases in Cuba, while Cuban officials deny any such presence and note that no official evidence has been provided. The disparity remains unresolved.
Why It Matters for Regional Stability
Escalating rhetoric and the prospect of military posturing risk destabilizing the Caribbean, exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Cuba, and could impede any future diplomatic thaw between Washington and Havana.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have always favored dialogue with the United States and with any other country, because we see it as the only way for countries to discuss their differences and to look for a way to make progress in the bilateral relationship.” — Josefina Vidal Ferreiro, Deputy Foreign Minister of Cuba
- “This is a pretext that is being used in order to justify the escalation that doesn't have any justification at all in order to continue punishing the Cuban people and Cuba.” — Josefina Vidal Ferreiro
- “We hope it is prevented, because we don't see any reason why Cubans and Americans should die, because there would be thousands of deaths if there is an aggression and there will be a lot of destruction.” — Josefina Vidal Ferreiro
- “It's up to the Cuban people, and only to the Cuban people, to decide what we do and what decisions we make regarding our internal and constitutional order.” — Josefina Vidal Ferreiro
Outlook and Potential Next Steps
Vidal said Cuba is “ready to discuss” all matters except internal governance and declined to speculate on future U.S. policy. The interview concluded without a set timeline, but the island’s 250th-anniversary of independence approaches, underscoring the symbolic weight of any forthcoming diplomatic moves.
