Cuba says it is not currently negotiating with the USA even though Washington continues applying economic pressure through sanctions and its longstanding embargo. Foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez, stating that there was no agenda for future talks, has said the embargo cost Cuba’s economy $8 billion between March 2025 and February 2026, 7% cent more than during the previous period. That estimate excludes more recent American restrictions affecting energy supplies and other sectors. He blamed US policies for worsening electricity shortages, food spoilage and disruption to education, communications and family life, describing them as collective punishment. Tensions between Washington and Havana have intensified under Donald Trump, even after officials held talks earlier this year: those contacts have now stopped. The dispute will return to the UN in October, when the General Assembly considers its annual resolution calling for an end to the embargo. Cuba expects strong international support, even though Rodriguez has accused Washington of putting ‘extraordinary pressure and intimidation’ on other UN member states.