The Cuban president responds strongly to Trump's threats: We will not kneel
In a new escalation of diplomatic tensions between Havana and Washington, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel a strongly worded statement in response to recent remarks and threats made by US President Donald Trump . Díaz-Canel asserted that Cuba is a sovereign nation that does not accept external dictates, emphasizing the island's independent national decision-making.
Details of the firm Cuban response
On the social media platform X, the Cuban president posted a clear message, stating that "no one dictates to us what to do," and describing Cuba as a "free and independent nation." This direct response came after Trump's call for the Cuban leadership to reach an agreement "before it's too late," language Havana considered a continuation of the policy of pressure and threats.
Díaz-Canel added in response, "Cuba is not the aggressor; it has been the victim of aggression from the United States for 66 years," a clear reference to the economic and trade embargo imposed by Washington on the island for decades. He continued defiantly, "It is not threatening; it is preparing, and it is ready to defend the homeland to the last drop of blood," reflecting the Cuban leadership's unwavering stance against any concessions that would compromise national sovereignty.
Roots of the conflict and historical background
This verbal sparring cannot be understood in isolation from the complex historical context of US-Cuban relations. Since the Cuban Revolution in 1959, relations have been characterized by persistent hostility, with the United States imposing a comprehensive embargo on the island in the early 1960s. Although there was a brief thaw during the administration of former President Barack Obama, relations became severely strained again with the arrival of Donald Trump in his first term, as he adopted a policy of "maximum pressure" to force the Cuban government to change its policies.
Dimensions of the threats and their regional impact
These statements take on particular significance given the current geopolitical landscape in Latin America. Washington is striving to curtail Cuban influence and Havana's close ties with countries like Venezuela and Nicaragua, in addition to its concerns about the growing Russian and Chinese presence in the region. Observers believe that Trump's threats are an attempt to impose new conditions on Havana, exploiting the island's difficult economic situation. However, the Cuban response has emphasized that economic pressure will not necessarily translate into political concessions, foreshadowing a new phase of stagnation and tension in the Caribbean.
