The United Nations on Thursday sounded the alarm about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Cuba, as vital sectors have become more fragile than ever before. This comes after US President Donald Trump tightened the blockade that his country has imposed on the communist island since 1962, while pressuring other countries to stop exporting oil to Cuba. The island, which has also been weakened by the cessation of oil supplies from Venezuela, faces severe fuel shortages and frequent power outages.
Published on: 02/27/2026 - 08:43 Last updated: 02/27/2026 - 09:32
The repercussions of the tough measures imposed by US President Donald Trump on Cuba continue, as the United Nations coordinator on the communist island warned Thursday of the repercussions of a humanitarian crisis that is “worsening day by day.”
The restrictions imposed on oil exports to the island affect vital sectors in the country.
In January, the United States imposed a blockade on energy supplies to Cuba, justifying its move by saying that this island, located only 150 kilometers from the coast of Florida, constitutes a “threat” to American national security.
On Wednesday, the US government softened its position, saying that Venezuelan oil could be resold and shipped to the private sector in Cuba, provided that these deals do not benefit the regime.
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But "the blockade continues and its humanitarian consequences are worsening day after day," said the United Nations Coordinator in Cuba, Francisco Pichon, during a video conference on Thursday.
He warned, saying, "What we are witnessing on the ground is not a temporary shortage, but rather a more systematic energy shock that has become the main factor in multiplying humanitarian dangers."
He added, "Let us be clear: threatening people's lives is not just talk, and those who suffer most are ordinary people, especially the weakest."
"In Cuba today, the availability of fuel determines whether a hospital is able to function, whether water will reach homes, whether food will be distributed, whether medicines will be transported..." Pichon continued.
He spoke in particular of the threats facing “five million people suffering from chronic diseases,” including “a million cancer patients” whose treatments require energy and “20,000 newborns” who need incubators or respirators every year.
The UN coordinator in Cuba also noted that “food security is also deteriorating, the entire supply chain is disrupted,” adding that UN humanitarian operations were also affected by the fuel shortage.
France 24/AFP
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