Cuba Rules Out US Talks as Blockade Costs Top $8 Billion

Cuba's foreign minister, Bruno Rodriguez, said on Monday that there are no ongoing negotiations with the United States, nor any plans for future talks, as the island nation grapples with the effects of a long-standing US trade embargo.

Speaking at a press conference in Havana, Rodriguez described the embargo as "genocidal" and stated that while Cuba remains open to maintaining contact, there is no formal agenda or dialogue in progress with Washington.

Rodriguez detailed that the economic damage from the embargo has risen by 7 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching a total of $8.1 billion. He projected that the financial strain on Cuba's economy would intensify further in early 2026, following the Trump administration's imposition of an oil blockade.

This oil blockade has severely curtailed energy output, leading to nationwide blackouts that now last for days at a time. Rodriguez highlighted the human cost of the measures, noting that ordinary Cubans face daily hardships, including limited electricity, food spoilage, and children studying in near darkness.

The US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Washington has previously defended the sanctions, citing national security concerns and accusing the Cuban government of restricting economic and human rights.

In contrast, the United Nations has described the US sanctions and energy siege as a violation of international law. A team of UN experts warned in August of a growing risk of disease outbreaks on the island, and US health authorities have recently noted a spike in intestinal illnesses linked to failing water and electricity infrastructure.