Cuba has accused the United States of employing coercive diplomacy tactics to sway international opinion ahead of a pivotal United Nations General Assembly vote on the longstanding U.S. trade embargo against the island nation. The vote, scheduled for October 28, will address a draft resolution titled “Necessity of Ending the Economic, Commercial and Financial Embargo Imposed by the United States of America Against Cuba,” marking the 34th time the issue has been brought before the General Assembly.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez contends that Washington is using political pressure, including threats of sanctions, punitive tariffs, visa restrictions, and the suspension of cooperation programs, to influence countries to oppose the resolution. Rodríguez argues that the matter at hand is one of national sovereignty and the right of countries to determine their own foreign policies without external interference.
The Cuban government has long criticized the U.S. embargo, highlighting its significant economic impact. Rodríguez estimates that the embargo has cost Cuba over $178.7 billion in economic losses over the past six decades. The Cuban foreign minister also pointed out that this year’s resolution will address fuel and energy restrictions imposed by the U.S. in January 2026, which Havana claims have exacerbated Cuba’s economic difficulties.
In January, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting countries and entities that supply fuel to Cuba, a move the Cuban government sees as an attempt to intensify economic pressure. The Cuban government has described these restrictions as part of broader efforts to undermine the country’s economy.
In a similar vote at the UN General Assembly in 2025, a resolution presented by Cuba received 165 votes in favor, seven votes against, and 12 abstentions. The outcome of the upcoming vote remains to be seen, but Rodríguez’s comments highlight the contentious nature of the ongoing diplomatic standoff between the two nations.