Cuban president says he's willing to talk to U.S. but preparing a 'defense plan' as fuel crisis worsens
Source: NBC News
Feb. 5, 2026, 5:00 PM EST
HAVANA — Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said the government is preparing for severe fuel shortages as he denounced the Trump administration's measures that have cut oil supplies to the island.
“It is reprehensible that a power such as the U.S. would adopt such a criminal policy against a country, as it affects food, transportation, hospitals, schools, economic production and the functioning of our vital systems,” Díaz-Canel said. “We are going to take measures that, while not permanent, will require effort. What else are we to do?” he said during a nationally televised news conference Thursday.
He said the government would roll out a contingency plan in the next week to deal with the fuel shortages. Díaz-Canel said there is a long list of issues that can be addressed between Cuba and the U.S. He said he's willing to engage in dialogue on any issue, but without pressure or preconditions and with respect for the country's sovereignty.
He said Cubans "do not hate" and recognize the values of the North American people. But the Cuban president said they're preparing a "defense plan" and stated that Cuba is a nation of peace and not a threat to the U.S.
Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/cuba/cuba-president-prepares-state-of-war-rcna257028