Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, declared that the island’s military is preparing for potential U.S. aggression and refused any negotiations regarding Cuba’s political system as tensions intensified following sharp public warnings from President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The remarks coincided with a deepening energy and fuel crisis on the island.
In an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” this Sunday, Fernandez de Cossio characterized Cuba as “naive” for not acknowledging the possibility of conflict, though he stated Havana hoped such a scenario would not materialize and saw “no justification” for it. He further asserted that the structure of Cuba’s government was beyond negotiation, opposing U.S.-imposed pressures related to ongoing diplomatic engagements between the two countries.
The comments followed a surge in threats from Washington. On March 16, Trump indicated that talks with Cuba were proceeding but warned of “action remaining possible.” Trump additionally stated he would have the “honor” of “taking Cuba in some form,” adding, “I can do anything I want with it.” Rubio has similarly claimed that Cuba’s leadership requires “new people in charge.”
The crisis has unfolded alongside a severe energy emergency. On Saturday, March 21, Cuba experienced its third nationwide power outage this month after the national grid collapsed again. Havana blames U.S. pressure on fuel suppliers for worsening the situation, while U.S. officials cite Cuba’s economic system and aging infrastructure as primary causes.
At the same time, public rhetoric has escalated beyond official military statements. On March 19, General Francis Donovan, head of U.S. Southern Command, told lawmakers that the U.S. military is not preparing for an invasion or takeover of Cuba. However, he confirmed readiness to protect the U.S. Embassy in Havana, defend Guantanamo Bay, and respond to potential mass migration emergencies.
