Cuba is preparing to defend itself against any possible military action by the United States, according to the island’s top diplomat in Washington, as bilateral negotiations remain stalled and tensions between Havana and the Trump administration continue to escalate.
Lianys Torres Rivera, Cuba’s chief diplomatic representative in the United States, told The Hill that while her country remains open to dialogue, Cuba’s sovereignty, independence, and right to self-determination are non-negotiable.
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“We are preparing for this,” Torres Rivera said, referring to the possibility of a U.S. invasion. “We cannot be naïve.”
Her remarks come as Cuba faces one of the most severe crises in recent memory. The country’s energy minister announced that fuel reserves had been completely depleted, triggering prolonged blackouts across the island and sparking scattered protests in Havana and other areas.
Despite mounting public frustration, Torres Rivera said the demonstrations should not be interpreted as a weakening of national resolve.
“When Cubans endure 20 hours without electricity, they naturally have grievances and express them,” she said. “But that should not be mistaken to mean that the Cuban people would not defend their homeland from aggression.”
Tensions Escalate
The diplomatic comments followed a series of developments that have heightened concerns about U.S.-Cuba relations.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly visited Cuba and met with officials, while warning that the current negotiating window “will not stay open indefinitely.”
At the same time, the U.S. State Department renewed an offer of US$100 million in humanitarian assistance, including food, medicine, and free satellite internet service, reportedly through nongovernmental organizations and the Catholic Church.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the aid is available immediately.
“There’s $100 million of food and medicine available right now,” Rubio said. “The only condition is that it must be distributed by nongovernmental organizations.”
Torres Rivera said Cuba has not received full details of the proposal but stressed that the government would consider assistance offered in good faith and free of political conditions.
“Cuba has never refused foreign aid when it is intended solely to meet the needs of the Cuban people and not to manipulate our internal affairs,” she said.
Cuba’s Red Lines
While the Cuban government has signaled willingness to cooperate on issues such as drug trafficking and human trafficking, Torres Rivera reiterated that political demands, such as changes to Cuba’s governing system, remain off limits.
“The only exception is our sovereignty, independence, and right to self-determination,” she said.
President Donald Trump has previously floated the idea of a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, while Rubio has argued that meaningful change is impossible under the current leadership.
For Havana, such rhetoric has prompted military preparedness drills and renewed concerns about the possibility of direct confrontation.
Economic Crisis Deepens
Cuba’s ongoing fuel shortages have been exacerbated by reduced oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico, both key suppliers in recent years.
The resulting energy crisis has severely disrupted transportation, healthcare, education, and other essential services.
Torres Rivera described the U.S. embargo and related restrictions as a form of “collective punishment.”
“We have reorganized the entire country to keep basic services functioning,” she said. “But they are operating under enormous strain.”
Calls for Regime Change Divide Washington
Some U.S. lawmakers, including Florida Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, have openly advocated for regime change, citing Cuba’s relationships with countries such as China and Russia.
Others, including members of both parties in Congress, have urged caution and opposed any military intervention.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he would prefer to see political change occur “organically.”
“Leave Us Alone”
Torres Rivera said Cuba poses no threat to the United States and simply wants the freedom to chart its own future.
“We are a small island that wants only to be left alone to decide our future in the way Cubans choose,” she said.
For Cuban officials, the message remains clear: negotiations are possible, but national sovereignty is not up for discussion.
