June 11, 2026, 10:12 p.mJune 11, 2026, 10:12 p.m
The US government is pushing forward its aggressive Cuba policy with sanctions and accusations. Now it is targeting the energy sector again.
The US government is increasing economic pressure on Cuba. Foreign Minister Marco Rubio imposed sanctions on the state oil company Unión Cuba-Petróleo (Cupet) today, as he announced on the X platform. This means that US citizens are no longer allowed to trade with the company. According to the announcement, people outside the USA also have to expect sanctions if they do business with Cupet.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.Image: keystone
According to Rubio, the communist leadership in Havana is using energy as a weapon to keep the people down and enrich themselves. The government under President Donald Trump will therefore continue to take action against Cuba’s government and undermine its ability to oppress its own people.
No more oil from Venezuela
Just last Friday, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions against Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his family members and various authorities. Trump had also repeatedly brought up a possible “takeover” of the economically struggling Caribbean state.
The country has not received oil from Venezuela since December as Trump ordered a complete blockade of sanctioned oil tankers carrying supplies from the sister South American nation. Cuba, with around ten million inhabitants, relies on oil for electricity. Because of scarce energy, Cubans regularly struggle with power outages. (hkl/sda/dpa)