Venezuela’s government has publicly reaffirmed its relationship with Cuba following an announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump to end the supply of oil and financial support from Caracas to Havana.
Venezuela Reaffirms Ties with Cuba Amidst U.S. Pressure
The statement came from Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil, released via Telegram. Gil asserted that the relationship with Cuba is rooted in a “historical” position based on principles of sovereignty and self-determination. “The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela ratifies its historical position within the framework of relations with the Republic of Cuba, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and International Law,” the statement read.
Caracas avoided directly addressing the potential economic impact of the U.S. announcement, but emphasized that the bond with Havana is built on “brotherhood, solidarity, cooperation, and complementarity.” The statement also underscored the regime’s belief that international relations should be governed by non-intervention and the sovereign equality of states, concluding with a call for “political and diplomatic dialogue” as a means of resolving conflicts.
Trump had previously stated that Washington had terminated the petroleum and financial support that had, for years, sustained the Cuban economy. “No more oil and money to Cuba. Zero!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, urging the Cuban regime to “make a deal” before it’s “too late.”
Trump alleged that Cuba had received “enormous amounts of oil and money from Venezuela” for years, and in return, Havana provided security services to the regimes of Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. “¡No more!” Trump added, claiming this arrangement ended with recent developments in Venezuela and the region.
This announcement arrives at a critical juncture for Cuba, which is experiencing its worst economic crisis since the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. The island has historically relied on Venezuelan crude to power its energy system. However, shipments, which exceeded 100,000 barrels per day in the early 2010s, have drastically decreased in recent years due to the collapse of the Venezuelan oil industry and increased international sanctions, exacerbating Cuba’s energy crisis and causing widespread blackouts.
Cuba has since sought alternative suppliers. Jorge Piñón, a researcher at the University of Texas, recently confirmed the arrival of a crude oil shipment from Mexico to Havana. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged her country has become a relevant supplier to the island, with Pemex reporting over 17,000 barrels of crude oil exported to Cuba in the first nine months of 2025.
However, Trump’s announcement introduces a new element of regional pressure. Security specialist Raúl Benítez Manaut warned that Trump’s statements foreshadow increased diplomatic pressure on Mexico to reduce or halt those shipments. “It’s an alert that they are going to start putting a lot of pressure on the Mexican government,” he stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Venezuela to publicly reaffirm its relationship with Cuba?
The statement was a direct response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would end oil and financial support from Venezuela to Cuba.
What did Donald Trump allege Cuba provided to Venezuela in exchange for oil and money?
Trump stated that Cuba provided security services to the regimes of Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro in exchange for the financial and petroleum support.
What is Cuba doing to address its energy needs given the reduction in Venezuelan oil shipments?
Cuba has begun seeking alternative suppliers, with Mexico recently becoming a significant provider of crude oil, exporting over 17,000 barrels daily in the first nine months of 2025.
As the U.S. continues to exert pressure on both Cuba and Venezuela, what impact might this have on regional alliances and economic stability in the Caribbean?
