At UN, Cuba rallies support against 'ruthless' US blockade

Cuban Foreign Minster Bruno Rodriguez denounced the "ruthless" US embargo against the communist island during a UN General Assembly debate Tuesday that occurred despite diplomatic pressure by Washington to prevent it.

"The government of the United States is carrying out against Cuba a multi-dimensional, non-conventional warfare that has already lasted for almost seven decades now and has become ever more cruel and more ruthless during the last seven months," Rodriguez told the body, slamming the blockade's "collective punishment" of the population.

"Paying attention to this ruthless crime is also a responsibility of the United Nations," he added.

The damage wrought by the embargo during the period of March 2025 through February 2026 amounts to a record $8 billion, a seven percent increase over the same period one year earlier, he said, noting the figures do not include the "extreme impact" of the fuel blockade the US imposed on Cuba in February.

Most regional blocs, including countries in Africa and the Caribbean, expressed their support for Cuba on Tuesday and condemned the US blockade.

Each year since 1992, the General Assembly has adopted by a large majority a non-binding resolution calling for the lifting of the blockade imposed on Cuba by the US.

Support weakened slightly last October, when 165 member states voted in favor and seven against, with a dozen abstentions.

Tuesday's vote on whether to hold the debate signaled potential further erosion, with 136 in favor, nine against, and 30 abstentions -- including traditional supporters Germany and Canada.

"There is no American blockade," US Ambassador Mike Waltz insisted from the podium. "The only embargo in Cuba is the guillotine the regime keeps over the heads of its people."