Cuba continues to stand after more than six decades, at the heart of one of the longest and cruelest political and economic confrontations of the modern era. A continuous U.S. blockade, with ever-renewing tools and changing forms, persists while the Cuban people and leadership remain steadfast in their sovereign choices, the Revolution, and its legacy.

Every year at the United Nations, an overwhelming majority of the world's countries demand an end to the U.S. blockade, yet international consensus remains unable to translate into tangible reality.

Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán explained that Cuba is facing not only the blockade but also an oil siege implemented through a January 29, 2026 executive order threatening third-country companies with sanctions if they sell oil to Cuba. Over the past five months, Cuba has received only one tanker — from Russia as humanitarian aid — whereas the country needs about eight tankers per month to function properly. This has caused severe humanitarian consequences: over 100,000 people on surgical waiting lists, including 12,000 children; hospitals unable to operate properly; water pumping and food production disrupted; and thousands of pregnant women lacking adequate treatment due to electricity shortages. A second executive order on May 1 threatens sanctions against any foreign company that trades with Cuba, even when such ties have nothing to do with the U.S. government.

The ambassador also denounced the persecution of Cuba's health cooperation programs worldwide, as Washington pressures governments to cancel these initiatives, depriving people of medical care they often receive for the first time through Cuban doctors.

He warned that there is a "real risk of U.S. military aggression" against Cuba, citing consistent statements from President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio. He stressed that while Cuba prioritizes dialogue with the U.S. on equal terms and with respect for sovereignty, the Cuban people are prepared to defend themselves if attacked.

Regarding U.S. accusations against Cuban leaders, including Raúl Castro Ruz and President Díaz-Canel, Soberón dismissed them as pretexts for military aggression aimed at dividing the government and the people — a goal he considers impossible given the unity demonstrated during recent mass mobilizations. On May 1, over half a million people in Havana and more than six million across the island took to the streets to affirm their support for the Revolution and their readiness to defend sovereignty.

The ambassador reiterated Cuba's willingness for bilateral dialogue and identified potential areas of cooperation: migration, drug trafficking, business and investment, health (including biotechnology products for Alzheimer's disease), and scientific, cultural, and sports exchanges. He emphasized that dialogue must be based on respect and non-interference, not on conditions related to Cuba's political system or sovereignty.

Addressing U.S. aggression against Iran, he stated that it constitutes a massive violation of international law, the UN Charter, and humanitarian law. He stressed that there should be no relation between events in Iran and what might happen in Cuba, and that any military action against Cuba would similarly violate international law.

Asked why Cuba faces such pressure, Soberón affirmed it is because Cuba refuses to submit to U.S. dictates. Its principled foreign policy includes support for the Palestinian cause, the Sahrawi cause, Puerto Rican independence, and the anti-apartheid struggle in Africa. Cuba will not change these principles or its political system.

In his final message, the ambassador thanked UN member states for their support and called on the world to "let Cuba live," allowing Cubans to build their own future without external imposition.