Cuba FM appeals to UN Security Council for urgent help against US blockade and military threat

By: Amarnath K

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla addressed the UN Security Council on Tuesday (May 26, 2026), urging the international community to mobilize urgently to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Cuba amid a U.S. energy blockade.

"I call on the international community to mobilize to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe that could be imposed through arms or the fuel blockade," Mr. Rodriguez said. He added, "Now should be the time for solidarity with Cuba."

U.S. Threats and Military Posturing

U.S. President Donald Trump has openly mused about taking over communist Cuba, stating that after the U.S. attack in January that ousted Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, Havana could be his next target for military action and major change.

The Trump administration further escalated tensions last week by indicting Raul Castro over the downing of two small U.S.-based planes in 1996, fueling fears that the United States was seeking a pretext to overthrow the government in Havana.

The day after the Castro indictment was announced, Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Cuba that the United States was "laser-focused" on changing the communist system.

Cuba's Dire Economic Conditions

Due in part to a U.S. trade embargo imposed after Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, Cubans have suffered severe economic conditions for years, including shortages of food, medicine, and other essentials. Nationwide power blackouts are common.

Conditions worsened after Mr. Trump cut off the supply of oil from Havana's ally Venezuela following the ouster of Maduro.

Cuba's Response

On Tuesday, Mr. Rodriguez called the indictment politically motivated and denied U.S. allegations that Cuba poses a national security threat to the United States.

"It is an idea that goes against logic and common sense," he told the council. "Let Cuba live in peace."