US moves to flood Cuba with free internet in major influence push
US Navy ship (Photo: Getty Images)
The US is not currently considering the possibility of an immediate military operation against Cuba. Despite President Trump's sharp rhetoric, the White House is focusing on economic levers and diplomatic proposals, according to the Associated Press.
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According to agency sources, Washington has prepared a large-scale support package for the island. This includes tens of millions of dollars in direct humanitarian aid. A separate point is a technological breakthrough: the US is offering all Cubans free access to Starlink satellite internet for 2 years. The plan also includes infrastructure restoration and support for agriculture.
However, Cuba has not yet given a final answer. Washington's terms entail changes that the communist regime has resisted for decades, the AP writes.
American officials are skeptical because they do not believe that Havana will easily agree to such a deal. The Cuban government still has time to think, but Trump could change his mind at any moment. Military options remain on the table for the president.
What the White House demands from the regime
The list of US demands is clear, and the leadership of Cuba must meet the following conditions:
- Immediately release all political prisoners;
- Cease religious and political repression inside the country;
- Open the economy to investments from the American private sector.
Washington is particularly concerned about the growing influence of Russia and China on the island. This concerns cooperation in intelligence and logistics that threatens the national security of the US.
Cuba's position on regime change
Cuban diplomats refuse to discuss the country's internal affairs. Any demands for changing the political system are perceived in Havana as an ultimatum.
"Negotiations on issues like regime change or removing the president are out of the question. No internal affairs of Cuba are on the table," said Cuba's UN Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán.
He also added that Havana does not intend to bow to US pressure regarding the release of prisoners. The Cuban leadership is already preparing for the worst-case scenarios. The island is in a state of anticipation in case Trump carries out his threats of military intervention.
What the US plans to do with Cuba
Recently, Donald Trump revealed at a public event a simple plan for how he would take over Cuba. The American president said that on its way back from Iran, a US aircraft carrier will get within a hundred meters of Cuba and Havana will announce its surrender.
Trump has also imposed new sanctions on high-ranking Cuban officials. This is also part of a months-long campaign of pressure on Cuba.
And according to Politico sources, the US may wait for a full change of power in Cuba, but some high-ranking officials will still have to resign.
