Cuba, Minister Rodríguez denounces: '8 billion in damage from the US blockade'

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez denounced the damage caused by the US blockade during a press conference. Between March 2025 and February 2026, losses amounted to $8 billion, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period the previous year. The accumulated historical damages are close to 179 billion.

Defining Washington's policy as a real economic asphyxiation, the minister underlined the devastating impact on fuel, the electricity grid, transport and public health. "The blockade does not punish a government, it punishes the daily life of a people in all areas," he declared, highlighting the recent increase in infant mortality and the enormous difficulties facing national hospitals.

"They are children, they are not numbers," added the diplomat.

Havana also denied the existence of ongoing negotiations with the United States, while reiterating its availability for a constructive dialogue based on mutual respect. Rodríguez concluded his speech with a direct appeal, asking to stop the commercial and financial embargo. "Put an end to the blockade. Let us live in peace," he urged before the international audience.