Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced the intensification of the United States blockade as a collective punishment against the island's people and stressed the vital importance of international solidarity in confronting it.

In an interview with Brazilian journalist Breno Altman, broadcast tonight in a special edition of the program 20 Minutos on Opera Mundi, the leader described U.S. policy as "a criminal, truly genocidal policy," whose consequences impact both the national economy and the daily lives of families.

He noted that the current situation is the result of a process accumulated over more than 60 years, aggravated since 2019 during the first Donald Trump administration, when 240 additional measures were approved that prioritized, internationalized, and intensified the siege. Added to this, he maintained, is the executive order from last January 29 that imposes an energy blockade.

"No economy can survive without fuel," Díaz-Canel stated, explaining that the country requires around seven million tons of crude oil annually but only produces between three and four million. This forces a dependence on imports that are now severely restricted. The lack of fuel has reduced electricity generation and caused prolonged blackouts, with an impact reaching the entire economy and affecting sectors such as transportation, water supply, waste collection, and the distribution of food and medicine.

In the social sphere, he indicated that more than 96,000 people are waiting for surgeries, including more than 11,000 children, due to resource limitations. Meanwhile, education has had to adapt to less frequent in-person modalities, and blackouts force a reorganization of family routines. Despite this scenario, he highlighted the resistance of the Cuban people who, amidst these conditions, have maintained unity and hope without surrendering or allowing themselves to be humiliated.

In the dialogue with the Brazilian journalist, the president also referred to international solidarity, both from governments and from social movements and peoples, considering it key to facing the crisis. He highlighted support from countries such as China and Russia, as well as Mexico and Colombia, which have sent food and supplies.

In particular, he mentioned the recent arrival of a Russian vessel with 730,000 barrels of oil, which he described as a gesture of great symbolism that allowed the island to access a third of the fuel it needs in a month. He also noted initiatives like the Nuestra América convoy, organized by the Progressive International, which delivered donations of photovoltaic modules, food, and medicine.

Regarding Brazil, he emphasized the historical ties between both countries, noted the support received from the people and government of the South American giant, and stated that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been one of the most active in denouncing the blockade. He warned that aid faces obstacles due to the extraterritorial nature of the U.S. siege, which affects third countries, but reiterated the Brazilian government's will to cooperate with the island.