Cuban president promises ‘impregnable resistance’ to any US attempt to control island

Cuban President Vows Unshakable Resolve Against US Takeover

In a recent social media post, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel declared that the nation would resist any U.S. effort to assert control, calling it an “impregnable resistance.” This statement came as electricity began to restore in parts of the country after a widespread blackout disrupted daily life.

For over six decades, U.S. governments have aimed to isolate Cuba, according to Díaz-Canel. He criticized Washington for using Cuba’s economic struggles as a justification for intervention, framing it as a harsh punishment targeting the populace. “The fierce economic war is a clear sign of this strategy,” he asserted, emphasizing Cuba’s readiness to face any external pressure.

U.S. President Donald Trump had previously hinted at potential actions against Cuba, suggesting on Monday he could act freely on the island. On Tuesday, he reiterated his intentions, stating: “We’ll be doing something with Cuba very soon.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, claiming that Cuba requires “new leadership” to address its failing economy. “Their system isn’t functioning… and the current leaders lack the ability to resolve the crisis,” Rubio said, implying a need for a change in power.

The recent power outage, which affected nearly all of Cuba’s 10 million residents, highlighted the nation’s vulnerabilities. With the electricity grid collapsing, many resorted to using torches and candles for cooking and lighting. Public services, including schools and sports events, faced disruptions, and waste accumulation plagued some areas due to halted dump truck operations.

By Tuesday afternoon, approximately 55% of Havana’s residents had regained power, alongside select regions in the west and central-east. The outages intensified hardships for Cubans, who have long dealt with unpredictable electricity shortages. Despite the strain, Marianela Alvarez, a Havana resident, expressed a desire for peace. “As civilians, we aren’t ready for conflict,” she told Reuters. “I want Trump to realize we just want to be left alone.”

While some Cubans, like Luis Enrique Garcia, remain hopeful for dialogue, others are skeptical. “I don’t believe in talks with Trump,” said Amed Echenique, a local in Havana. “He’s not trustworthy, even with the limited information I have.” Nonetheless, Díaz-Canel confirmed that Cuban officials had initiated discussions with the U.S. to address shared challenges, marking the first official acknowledgment from Havana of ongoing negotiations.