US sanctions Cuba state energy firm over 'kleptocratic profit'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions on Thursday against Union Cuba-Petroleo (CUPET), the island's state-owned energy monopoly, accusing Havana's Communist leadership of weaponizing fuel for "social control and kleptocratic profit." The measures target CUPET under President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14404, Rubio said on the social media platform X. "For decades, the regime has stolen and hoarded available fuel -- using it for the Castros' private jet, the security services forces used to repress the Cuban people, to keep empty tourist hotels lit up, and to bus people in for fake protests and political stunts -- all while the Cuban people have suffered blackouts and waited weeks to fill their cars," he stated.

Rubio said Trump wants a future for the Cuban people with "greater" economic and political freedom and opportunity, though he offered no timeline for easing restrictions. He added that Washington would maintain pressure on Havana's energy trade until conditions improve. The announcement signals a renewed focus on Cuba following the administration's recent preoccupation with the war against Iran.

Havana denounces 'collective punishment'

Lianys Torres Rivera, head of the Cuban mission to the United States, immediately denounced the measures, arguing they would inflict suffering on vulnerable civilians rather than government officials. "The sanctions against CUPET are part of the design to strangle and bend Cuba, which has a direct impact, in a criminal way, on the Cuban people," Rivera said on X. She called on Washington to end what she termed "collective punishment against children, pregnant women, the chronically ill, the elderly and the rest of the people of Cuba."

Washington ramps up pressure

The US Treasury Department previously imposed sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and several members of his inner circle, including relatives of former leader Raul Castro. Trump has indicated his administration intends to focus more closely on Cuba after dealing with the war against Iran. Rubio said Thursday's action marked the latest step in Washington's campaign to pressure the Communist regime.