Two Mexican Navy ships docked in Cuba on Thursday, delivering over 800 tons of humanitarian aid as the island faces a deepening energy and food crisis. The aid, which included powdered milk, beans, sardines, and cookies, marks the most significant public shipment since President Donald Trump increased economic pressure on the communist regime.
The shipments follow Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba, a move that has crippled the island’s fuel access. Mexico, caught between its historical ties to Cuba and its economic relationship with the U.S., has paused oil exports but continues to offer non-energy support.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said more support is on the way. “As soon as the ships return, we will send more aid of different kinds,” she said. Sheinbaum stressed that Mexico does not want to violate the U.S. embargo but also won’t abandon its ally during a humanitarian emergency.
Cuba’s crisis escalated after the U.S. captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro in January and cut off Cuba’s main oil supply. With fuel deliveries halted and reserves dwindling, the regime has imposed severe rationing on civilians and even hospitals.
Trump officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have stated that the U.S. seeks regime change in Havana. Rubio emphasized the Cuban regime’s role in propping up Maduro, noting that Cuban agents served in key security roles in Venezuela.
The two ships that arrived Thursday delivered 536 tons of food on one vessel and 277 tons of powdered milk on the other, according to the Mexican government. Both were met with government officials in Havana upon arrival.
Mexico’s balancing act reflects decades of diplomatic tension between U.S. pressure and regional solidarity. Cuban historian Rafael Rojas noted that Mexico is “yielding to the demands of the United States” while still maintaining its long-standing support for Cuba.
The Trump administration has made it clear that future sanctions are possible if more countries try to bypass the embargo. Still, with shortages worsening, Mexico is expected to continue its humanitarian efforts, even as geopolitical tensions rise.
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