Monday, February 16, 2026-The United Nations has issued a strong condemnation of recent U.S. actions that have effectively halted oil deliveries to Cuba, warning that the move is fueling a deepening energy and humanitarian crisis on the island. U.N. officials have expressed “extreme concern” over rapidly worsening fuel shortages that are disrupting essential services such as power generation, hospital operations, water systems, and food distribution.
The situation has been exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and tariff threats aimed at countries that continue to supply oil to Cuba, resulting in a near-total cessation of external fuel imports and prompting widespread rolling blackouts and transportation shutdowns.
In its statement, the U.N. described these coercive measures as inconsistent with international law and harmful to the civilian population, underscoring that restrictions on oil shipments are directly affecting ordinary Cubans rather than just political or military targets.
The emergency has triggered regional responses: some countries have announced humanitarian aid to help address food and medical shortages, while others have criticized the U.S. approach as punitive and counterproductive. U.N. human rights officials also warned that continued energy scarcity could lead to broader societal instability if urgent assistance is not scaled up.
The U.N.’s condemnation comes amid broader international opposition to the longstanding U.S. embargo and recent escalations tied to fuel supply cuts, with the General Assembly repeatedly calling for an end to measures perceived as collective punishment.
Despite these calls, Washington maintains that its policies aim to pressure Cuba’s government and limit its strategic partnerships. As global debate intensifies over humanitarian impacts versus geopolitical strategy, the U.N. has underscored its insistence that solutions must prioritize human welfare and respect for sovereign trade rights.
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