Cuba in February 2026: the most important developments in politics
Cuba's politics in February 2026 centered on its confrontation with the United States over oil supplies. On February 1 President Donald Trump said the US was in talks with Cuba's leadership and might seek a deal, while his administration moved to cut Havana's oil supplies. Cuban officials said the country was open to dialogue 'with no preconditions' and if its sovereignty was respected; President Miguel Diaz-Canel ruled out talks on the constitutional system and rejected external pressure, and a Cuban diplomat told the AP that no formal dialogue was underway. The UN and its Secretary-General warned that efforts to block Cuba's oil could bring a humanitarian collapse. At month end, on February 27, Trump suggested the US could carry out a 'friendly takeover' of Cuba, said talks were underway and named Marco Rubio as involved, without outlining specific plans. Media reports said Rubio had held secret talks with Raul Castro's grandson about Cuba's political future.
Mexico's role shifted. President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed a halt to Mexican oil exports to the island and promised continued humanitarian aid, especially food. On February 5 Trump linked the Cuba issue to US-Mexico relations, and on February 6 Sheinbaum insisted on her plan to send oil to Cuba.
Other governments backed Havana. Russia's ambassador said Russia would keep supplying oil, and Russia said it had no plans to evacuate its embassy. China's foreign minister said China opposes unwarranted interference by external forces in Cuba, and its top political adviser expressed support for Cuba's sovereignty. On February 18 President Vladimir Putin and Russian and Cuban diplomats called US sanctions and the blockade illegitimate. Pope Leo urged the US and Cuba to engage in sincere dialogue.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
Click a day in the chart above for that day's brief.