Cubans face tougher shortages after Trump says he will cut Venezuelan oil

President Trump announced that Venezuelan oil and money to Cuba will stop; Cubans and analysts say the move could worsen existing shortages, power outages and economic strain.

President Donald Trump announced on social media that Venezuelan oil deliveries and payments to Cuba will cease, a statement that followed a reported U.S. operation in Caracas. Cuban officials responded firmly, and state media showed images of civilian defence preparations. Cuba has relied for decades on subsidized Venezuelan oil while also facing persistent shortages, empty pharmacy shelves and rolling power outages. Analysts and some intelligence assessments offer differing views on whether further economic pressure would bring political change. Key facts: - The article reports President Trump said on Truth Social that there will be no more oil or money going to Cuba and referred to the deaths of 32 Cuban security personnel during a recent U.S. operation in Caracas. - President Miguel Díaz-Canel publicly rejected the move and emphasized Cuba's sovereignty, while state media showed civilian defence activities. - Cuba has long depended on subsidized Venezuelan oil and is already experiencing shortages of medicines, food and regular power outages. - Analysts and recent CIA assessments are reported as inconclusive about whether a worsening economy would destabilize the Cuban government; the Cuban opposition is described as weakened. Summary: Cutting Venezuelan oil shipments, as announced by President Trump, would add pressure to an already strained Cuban economy and public services. Undetermined at this time.