U.S. Ambassador Waltz denounces costly UN Cuba debate as Cuban officials interrupt

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz criticised the extraordinary session on the Cuba embargo held at the General Assembly, saying the six‑hour debate cost $168,000 – funds that could feed thousands of Cuban children. He argued there is no American blockade, calling the embargo a self‑imposed restriction by the Cuban regime and accusing officials of diverting state resources, sending doctors abroad, and conscripting Cubans to fight in Ukraine.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez responded forcefully, labeling Waltz a liar, recounting a message from former President Raúl Castro and warning that any attempt to seize Cuba would meet resistance. The exchange escalated into a shouting match, with procedural disruptions and fireworks on the UN floor, highlighting heightened tensions between the United States and Cuba during the debate.

The session was approved by a vote of 136 in favour, nine against and 30 abstentions, marking the second extraordinary debate on the embargo in the 80th General Assembly session.