By Ayo Kehinde
In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, U.S. President, Donald Trump, has issued a stark ultimatum to Cuba, declaring that Havana will no longer receive Venezuelan oil or financial support.
In a message posted on his social media platform, Trump urged the Cuban government to “make a deal” with Washington before it is too late,
Trump, who said Cuba had long depended on large amounts of Venezuelan oil and money in exchange for providing security services to the Caracas government, declared that the relationship has now ended.
“THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA — ZERO!” he wrote, underscoring the severance of the longstanding energy and financial ties between Havana and Caracas.
Trump remarks follow last week’s U.S.-led military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro, and the reported deaths of dozens of Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel.
Trump claimed that Venezuela, which formerly reliant on Cuban security support, no longer needs protection from “thugs and extortionists.” He emphasised that the United States, backed by the “most powerful military in the world”, will step in to protect the South American nation.
Cuba’s leadership has strongly rejected Trump’s ultimatum. Cuban officials condemned the “blackmail” and interference in sovereign affairs, defending their right to engage in international trade and accusing the United States of undermining regional stability.
