Brazil delivers 48 tonnes of powdered milk to Cuba as humanitarian aid

The Brazilian government, under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, ordered the Brazilian Air Force to transport 48 tonnes of powdered milk to Cuba to ease a severe food‑supply crisis. Two cargo flights were scheduled: a first aircraft carrying 16 tonnes departed from Canoas on 13 July 2026, and a second with 32 tonnes left Porto Alegre on 14 July, both bound for Santiago de Cuba with expected arrival on 15 July. The operation was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), and the food was provided by the National Supply Company (Conab). The aid is intended to mitigate shortages caused by the United States’ long‑standing economic and energy blockade, which has intensified since late 2025 and led to fuel shortages, blackouts and rising prices on the island. Brazil previously sent humanitarian assistance to Cuba in 2025 after Hurricane Melissa, and officials said further food and medical donations are under review.