A historic challenge from Cuba to the U.S.: We will defend ourselves while occupied, and if necessary, we will die.

A historic challenge from Cuba to the U.S.: We will defend ourselves while occupied, and if necessary, we will die.

13.04.2026 06:41

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel reacted strongly to the possibility of a U.S. military intervention, stating, "We will die if necessary." Canel emphasized that there is no justification for the U.S. to attack Cuba and declared that he would defend his country to the end. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose sanctions on countries supplying oil to Cuba has increased tensions between the two nations. Cuba has activated its emergency plan in response to the oil crisis.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel used strong words against a possible U.S. invasion. Canel stated, “If this happens, there will be conflict, there will be struggle, we will defend ourselves, and if we must die, we will die.”

“THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION FOR A U.S. ATTACK”

Appearing on NBC News' "Meet the Press," Canel emphasized that the U.S. has no legitimate justification for invading Cuba. Canel, stating that the Cuban people will defend their homeland under any circumstances, referred to the national anthem by saying, “To die for the homeland means to live.”

“CUBANS WILL RESIST TO THE END”

Canel expressed that a possible U.S. military intervention or “surgical operation” attempt is unacceptable. He stated that Cubans would not back down in such a situation and affirmed his country's determination to protect its sovereignty.

U.S. OIL SANCTION MOVE

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a new sanction decision on January 30 against countries supplying oil to Cuba. According to the decision, customs duties will be applied to goods coming from these countries. The White House argued that the move aims to protect U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.

DENIAL FROM CUBA AND EMERGENCY PLAN

Despite Trump's announcement on February 1 that talks had begun regarding oil supply with Cuba, the Havana administration denied this claim. The Cuban government activated an emergency package to survive without external oil supply.

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