US and Cuba to reach a deal without military action, Trump says
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump suggested that the United States and Cuba will reach an agreement and that it will happen without the need for military action, according to Reuters.
"I would say that Cuba and us will make a deal. I don't think we'll need the military. We want to help Cuba. We want to open Cuba up to our people," Trump told reporters before departing for Tennessee.
Earlier this week, the US president spoke at the UN General Assembly, where he called Cuba a failed state and said that "freedom will come" to the island. During the speech, the Cuban delegation walked out of the hall.
Also on Saturday, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said at the UN that Cuba would always remain open to dialogue with the United States. At the same time, he did not comment on Trump's statements specifically.
"We are open to commercial and business relationships with US companies, just as we are with any other country," Rodríguez said, while also condemning the US trade embargo against Cuba.
What is important to know
It should be noted that the Trump administration has previously openly stated that its goal is regime change in Cuba. The US has maintained an embargo against Cuba for more than 60 years.
Trump's administration is also stepping up pressure after using the military in January to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
It should be noted that the oil blockade imposed by the US at the beginning of this year has created serious problems for the country, which is facing fuel shortages and power outages exacerbated by failing infrastructure.
For more details on why Trump turned his attention to Cuba this spring and what Ukraine has to do with it, read the RBC-Ukraine article.
