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Spain has announced it will send humanitarian assistance to Cuba through the United Nations system, as the island battles a worsening economic crisis exacerbated by a de facto fuel blockade linked to sanctions imposed by the Donald Trump administration and the halt of oil supplies from Venezuela.
In a statement after talks in Madrid on Monday between Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares and Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodríguez, Spain confirmed it will provide food and essential medical products via the UN system, though it did not specify quantities or delivery dates.
The move follows similar humanitarian efforts by other countries, including Mexico, which recently sent more than 800 tonnes of relief supplies to Cuba aboard two Mexican Navy vessels.
Cuba’s economic plight has been compounded by energy shortages after US efforts to block oil shipments and Venezuela’s curtailed fuel exports, triggering prolonged blackouts and acute scarcity of food and medicines.
The Cuban government has introduced emergency measures, including limiting fuel sales and scaling back public transport, in response to the crisis.
During the Madrid meeting, the two ministers also discussed strengthening political, economic and cooperative ties for mutual benefit. Rodríguez condemned what he described as escalating US hostility against Cuba, urging adherence to peace, security and international law.
The United Nations has expressed growing concern about the humanitarian situation in Cuba, warning of potential collapse if critical needs go unmet amid soaring energy and food insecurity.
