Mexico is sending two navy ships laden with humanitarian aid to Cuba, as the island nation grapples with a deepening economic crisis and escalating tensions with the United States. The announcement, made by the Mexican Foreign Ministry, comes amid a US-imposed energy blockade that has exacerbated shortages of fuel, food, and essential supplies.
The aid shipment consists of 814 tons of food, including staples such as milk, meat, rice, and powdered milk, according to reports. The ships are expected to reach Cuban shores within four days. Mexico’s government stated that the move reflects its longstanding solidarity with the nations of Latin America, and specifically with Cuba, while also noting its recent support for US states impacted by natural disasters, including California wildfires and Texas floods.
The crisis in Cuba has been significantly worsened by the United States’ tightening of sanctions, particularly a decision in December to halt oil shipments from Venezuela following the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces. Prior to the US intervention in Venezuela, Cuba relied heavily on Venezuelan oil, and the subsequent disruption has created a critical energy shortfall. The situation has been compounded by a threat from US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on any country continuing to supply Cuba with oil, leading Mexico, previously Havana’s largest oil provider, to suspend its deliveries.
The energy blockade, as described by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, is causing widespread disruption. Power outages are frequent, and shortages of food, medicine, and fuel are becoming increasingly acute. The tourism sector, a vital source of revenue for the Cuban economy, is also suffering. Díaz-Canel has accused the US of waging a “psychological war” against Cuba, and characterized the threat of tariffs as an “energy blockade” impacting transportation, hospitals, schools, and food production.
The US government, however, attributes the crisis to internal factors within Cuba, alleging that the Cuban government hoards resources for its own benefit and engages in destabilizing activities abroad. Jeremy Lewin, a Senior Official at the US Department of State, stated that US aid, totaling $9 million including the recently announced $6 million, is being carefully monitored to ensure it reaches the Cuban people and is not diverted by the government. Lewin also dismissed the notion that the halt in Venezuelan oil shipments is responsible for the current humanitarian situation, arguing that Cuba has faced economic challenges for years.
The $6 million in additional aid announced by the US on Thursday is primarily intended for residents of eastern Cuba, which was heavily impacted by Hurricane Melissa late last year. The supplies will be distributed through the Catholic Church and Caritas. The US previously provided $3 million in disaster relief following the hurricane.
Mexico’s decision to provide humanitarian assistance, despite the potential for US sanctions, underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. President Claudia Sheinbaum has continued diplomatic efforts with the US to restore Cuba’s access to oil, but has acknowledged the threat of tariffs. According to Sheinbaum, Mexico does not desire sanctions, but remains committed to providing aid to the Cuban people.
The situation highlights the broader implications of US policy towards Cuba and the region. The US has declared Cuba’s communist government an “unusual and extraordinary threat,” invoking a national emergency declaration. This declaration cites reports of human rights violations, the increasing number of Cuban migrants and asylum seekers, and Cuba’s ties with Russia, China, and Iran as justification for the continued pressure.
The Mexican government’s actions also come at a sensitive time in its relationship with Washington, already strained by repeated threats from President Trump to deploy troops to Mexico to combat drug cartels. Mexico’s support for Cuba has become a new point of contention, adding another layer of complexity to the bilateral relationship.
The unfolding crisis in Cuba presents a significant humanitarian challenge, and the response from Mexico and the United States will be closely watched by the international community. The long-term consequences of the US energy blockade and the potential for further escalation remain uncertain, leaving the future of Cuba’s economy and its people hanging in the balance.
