Cuban Ambassador Rejects U.S. Demands for Sovereignty Talks as Energy Crisis Worsens

HAVANA – Cuba’s ambassador to the United States has firmly rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to negotiate a deal that would tie U.S. economic engagement to major political changes on the island, as Cuba grapples with rolling blackouts, a massive fuel shortage, and civil unrest.

The diplomatic standoff follows a surprise visit to Havana this week by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who met with Cuban officials to deliver President Trump’s message. The United States said it is prepared to seriously engage on economic and security issues, but only if Cuba makes fundamental changes to how the nation is governed.

“It’s in our national interest to have a prosperous Cuba, not to have a failed state 90 miles from our shores,” a U.S. government statement said, as civil unrest mounts across the island.

But the Cuban ambassador to the United States pushed back forcefully, telling The Hill in an exclusive conversation that, “A serious country doesn’t negotiate their sovereignty,” and that Cuba is ready to defend themselves as necessary.

The energy collapse has already boiled over into the streets. Hundreds of Cubans protested in Havana this week, blocking roads and shouting “Turn on the lights” as large swaths of the country were plunged into darkness. In some areas, residents went without power for more than 20 hours a day amid the ongoing American embargo and blockade.

Ratcliffe’s visit marked the first time a prominent U.S. official has traveled to Cuba since President Obama in 2016. Reports said Ratcliffe warned Cuban officials they have a limited window to stabilize the country’s economy and that the president has no problem enforcing red lines.

A former U.S. intelligence officer said that the crumbling country is becoming a threat to the United States. “They may claim that the U.S. is the bad guy, but for 67 years it’s been a Communist country that has no freedom. They like the way they want to be. They’re politicians,” the former officer said.

Earlier this month, President Trump said the United States is prepared to move on Cuba but only as soon as the war in Iran is over. Meanwhile, the U.S. Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, though the timeline for a possible indictment remains unclear.