Cuban President Díaz‑Canel says Cuba prepared but not afraid of U.S. war threat

Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel told Puerto Rican newspaper Claridad and later Sky News that Cuba is preparing its defence against any possible U.S. aggression but does not fear a war. He said the nation has updated its military plans, holds a national “Day of Defence” every Friday, and can mobilise millions of citizens. Díaz‑Canel criticised what he called an U.S. "energy siege" and sanctions, accusing Washington of trying to destabilise Cuba, while noting support from Russia, China, Vietnam and assistance from Mexico.

He also defended recent economic reforms approved by the National Assembly, a package of 176 measures that includes private banks, exchange houses and fewer limits on small businesses, describing them as “distinctively Cuban solutions” to the island’s deep shortages of food, medicine and electricity. The reforms come amid widespread power outages, protests and dozens of arrests, which the government has met with increased militarisation and internet blackouts.

During a visit to the municipalities of Cerro and Marianao, Díaz‑Canel highlighted the ongoing energy crisis caused by the U.S. embargo and discussed local initiatives such as solar panels and efforts to improve water and waste services, linking the reforms to a broader goal of municipal prosperity.