Cuba rules out U.S. talks, cites $8.1 billion embargo damage

Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said there are no active negotiations or agreed agenda with the United States, although Havana remains willing to maintain diplomatic contact. He accused Washington of imposing a “genocidal” blockade and estimated that the U.S. embargo caused Cuba $8.1 billion in economic damage in 2025, a 7 percent increase from the previous year. Rodríguez warned that intensified U.S. restrictions under current President Donald Trump, including measures affecting oil supplies, could deepen Cuba’s economic and energy crisis, contributing to prolonged blackouts, food spoilage and worsening living conditions. The United States maintains that its sanctions are intended to pressure Cuba’s communist government over economic, political and human-rights concerns, while U.N. experts have warned that deteriorating conditions and restrictions could increase health risks. Rodríguez said Cuba is prepared to resume talks based on mutual respect and noninterference, but claimed a lack of U.S. political will has prevented progress.