This isn’t the first time Claudia Sheinbaum has stood up to Donald Trump.Image: keystone
After US tariff threats against Cuba’s oil suppliers, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced new humanitarian aid deliveries for the socialist Caribbean island.
02/02/2026, 04:5002/02/2026, 04:50
“This week we are planning humanitarian aid to Cuba (…) in the form of food and other products, while we settle through diplomatic channels everything that has to do with the supply of oil for humanitarian reasons,” Sheinbaum said at an event in Guaymas, Sonora state.
The head of state explained that the necessary preparations for the dispatch of relief goods and basic supplies for the Cuban population are already underway. At the same time, she denied having spoken to US President Donald Trump about the situation on the Caribbean island.
The background is US tariff threats against countries that supply Cuba with oil. Mexico is one of the largest oil suppliers to the country ruled by the Communist Party and is also the most important trading partner of the United States. Sheinbaum recently warned of a large-scale humanitarian crisis in Cuba.
According to media reports, Mexico has already reduced oil deliveries to Cuba in recent days under pressure from the USA, although there is no official confirmation of this. Until a diplomatic solution is reached, Mexico will supply other essential products, Sheinbaum said.
Vatican calls for dialogue
Pope Leo XIV also expressed concern about the growing tensions between Cuba and the USA. He called on all those responsible to engage in a “sincere and effective dialogue” to avoid violence and prevent further suffering for the Cuban population.
In Cuba, there are repeated long-lasting power outages due to the ailing power grid and lack of fuel; The island is in one of the worst economic crises since the revolution of 1959. (sda/dpa)