After the US attack on Venezuela, will Cuba’s economy survive?

In January 2026, Cuba received the remains of 32 Cuban soldiers. The soldiers were killed during a US bombing of Venezuela. The repatriation ceremony in Cuba included a guard of honor led by former Cuban President Raul Castro. The event marks a somber moment in the relationship between Cuba, Venezuela, and the United States, highlighting the human cost of international conflict. The article does not specify the exact date of the bombing or why the Cuban soldiers were in Venezuela.

On January 16, 2026, Cuba launched a mass demonstration in Havana to protest a U.S. operation in Venezuela. The rally, organized by the Cuban government, specifically decried the killing of Cuban officers during the U.S. action, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Demonstrators marched outside the U.S. Embassy, carrying Cuban flags and demanding Maduro's release. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel participated in the protest, holding a Cuban flag and marching alongside the demonstrators. The event highlights Cuba's strong condemnation of U.S. involvement in Venezuela and its support for the Maduro regime.

On January 15, 2026, Cuba received the remains of 32 citizens killed in U.S. strikes in Venezuela earlier that month. The Cubans were part of Nicolás Maduro's security detail. The strikes occurred during a U.S. operation to capture Maduro, the ousted Venezuelan president. The remains were received at Havana's international airport by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other high-ranking officials. Cuba had relied on Venezuelan oil shipments, which have ceased since Maduro's ousting, causing economic hardship for the country. The U.S. President stated that the U.S. military would enforce a separation between Venezuela and Cuba.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump declared that no more Venezuelan oil or money would go to Cuba, urging the island nation to strike a deal with the US. This announcement comes after the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces and a strict US oil blockade on Venezuela, Cuba's primary oil supplier. Trump suggested Cuba had long relied on Venezuelan resources and should negotiate with the US before it's "too late." Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel rejected Trump's threats, asserting Cuba's sovereignty and right to defend itself. Cuban officials also defended Cuba's right to import fuel from any willing supplier and accused the US of acting as a criminal hegemon.

Donald Trump has warned Cuba to "make a deal" or face unspecified consequences, following the US capture of Nicolás Maduro and a halt to Venezuelan oil shipments to the island. Trump stated that Cuba would receive "ZERO" oil or money from Venezuela, urging them to negotiate before it's "too late." He claimed Cuba previously relied on Venezuelan oil and money in exchange for security services, alleging many Cuban security personnel died in a recent US attack. Cuba's foreign minister refuted claims of compensation for security services and asserted Cuba's right to import fuel from any country, accusing the US of criminal behavior. The US and Venezuela are reportedly working on a $2 billion oil deal, signaling a potential shift in relations.

Donald Trump is pressuring Cuba to "make a deal" or face consequences, citing the end of Venezuelan oil and financial support. Trump stated that the U.S. will no longer allow oil or money to flow from Venezuela to Cuba, ending Cuba's provision of security services to Venezuelan leaders. This follows a U.S. raid in Venezuela that resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban nationals who were providing security for Nicolás Maduro. Trump asserted that the U.S. will now protect Venezuela. While Cuba has not responded, President Díaz-Canel previously honored the deceased Cubans. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested Cuba's leaders should be worried, and Trump reposted a message suggesting Rubio could become president of Cuba.

Cuba mourned the loss of 32 troops killed in Venezuela during a recent U.S. military intervention. The remains were returned to Havana with full military honors, attended by Cuban leadership. This event marks the largest loss of Cuban combatants to U.S. forces since the Bay of Pigs invasion. The incident has forced the Cuban government to acknowledge the presence of its intelligence officers within the Venezuelan government, confirming long-standing claims of Cuban involvement in Venezuela's security apparatus. These officers were part of a strategy to help the Maduro regime maintain power. The deaths have raised concerns within Cuba about the implications of their alliance with Venezuela.

Following the removal of Nicolás Maduro on January 3rd, Venezuelans are experiencing mixed reactions of relief and apprehension after 30 years of socialist rule. While Maduro faces justice in the U.S., citizens remain wary due to a government decree criminalizing celebrations or support of the U.S. operation, punishable by immediate arrest. Checkpoints have been established, allowing law enforcement to randomly check citizens and their phones, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Venezuelans express concerns about sovereignty, daily survival, and the potential for further crisis despite Maduro's departure. The power vacuum left by Maduro has exposed vulnerabilities and heightened anxieties about the future.

In a New York Times interview, President Trump asserted that his power as commander in chief is primarily limited by his own morality, not international law or treaties. He stated that his personal judgment is the main constraint on his authority to use military force globally. While acknowledging some domestic constraints, Trump emphasized national strength over legal conventions in international relations. He also discussed Venezuela, referencing potential military action, and took a call from the President of Colombia, who expressed concern over possible threats. The interview highlights Trump's view that he is the ultimate arbiter of when international laws apply to the United States.

Following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on January 5, 2026, President Trump stated that Cuba is weakened and "ready to fall" due to the loss of Venezuelan oil revenue. He suggested military intervention in Cuba may not be necessary, anticipating its collapse. Cuba's foreign minister expressed concern that Maduro's overthrow creates an existential threat to Cuba's sovereignty. The U.S. blockade of Venezuelan oil is cutting off a crucial economic lifeline for Cuba, exacerbating an existing economic crisis and political dissatisfaction on the island. The situation places Cuba in a precarious position, potentially inviting further U.S. action.

Following the U.S. capture of Venezuela's president, Nicolás Maduro, both countries announced they are exploring the possibility of restoring diplomatic ties. Venezuela stated it would send a delegation to Washington to assess its embassy, while U.S. diplomats visited Caracas to evaluate resuming embassy operations after nearly seven years. The exploratory diplomatic process aims to re-establish diplomatic missions in both countries and address the consequences of Maduro's capture. Despite ongoing tensions and conflicting actions, such as the U.S. targeting drug cartels allegedly linked to the Venezuelan government, both sides have expressed interest in a potential restoration of relations. These developments highlight the rapidly evolving and contradictory nature of the U.S.-Venezuela relationship.

In January 2026, Venezuela initiated exploratory talks with the United States to potentially re-establish formal diplomatic ties, which were severed in 2019. This development follows the US military's abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, an action widely condemned as a violation of international law. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced that US State Department officials are visiting Caracas, and Venezuela plans to send a delegation to Washington. The goal of these discussions is to restore diplomatic missions in both countries after relations deteriorated under President Hugo Chavez and fully ceased when the US recognized Juan Guaido as interim president in 2019. Despite condemning the US action, Rodriguez emphasized the need for dialogue and peace in the region.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump threatened Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of drug trafficking and suggesting a possible US operation in Colombia "sounds good." Trump made the comments while aboard Air Force One, following the US abduction of Venezuela's leader, Nicolas Maduro. He also stated that Cuba "looks like it's ready to fall" due to a lack of income following the loss of Venezuelan oil revenue. Trump asserted that the US is "in charge" of Venezuela, despite the country's Supreme Court appointing an interim leader. Maduro and his wife are scheduled to appear in court in New York on drug-related charges.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump stated he does not need international law to guide his aggressive foreign policies, relying instead on his "own morality." This statement followed the US military's abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from Caracas, an action criticized as a violation of the UN Charter. Trump asserted the US would "run" Venezuela and exploit its oil reserves, while also dictating policy to interim President Delcy Rodriguez and threatening further military action. He also suggested a potential strike against Colombia's President Gustavo Petro. A UN rapporteur expressed concern that the world may be returning to an ‘age of imperialism’.

On January 5, 2026, Cuba announced two days of mourning for 32 Cuban "fighters" killed during a U.S. military operation in Caracas, Venezuela. According to the state-run Prensa Latina agency, the Cubans were killed while assisting the Venezuelan military at the request of the Venezuelan government, either in direct combat or during bombings. The U.S. operation involved the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who were flown to New York to face drug-related charges. Venezuelan Minister of Defence General Vladimir Padrino stated that the U.S. attack resulted in the deaths of soldiers, civilians, and Maduro's security detail. U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged Cuban deaths during the raids, stating there were no U.S. casualties.