Washington: In a move that signals the further hardening of U.S. policy toward Havana, the United States has urged its allies to vote against or abstain from supporting an annual United Nations resolution that calls for lifting the decades-old American embargo on Cuba. The appeal, outlined in a diplomatic cable dated October 2 and obtained by Reuters, cites allegations that thousands of Cuban nationals are fighting on Russia’s side in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The confidential cable, marked as unclassified but sensitive, instructed American diplomats across the world to make Cuba’s alleged involvement in the Ukraine conflict a central issue during their conversations with foreign counterparts. The document claims that between 1,000 and 5,000 Cuban fighters are serving in Russian ranks, either as mercenaries or under coerced recruitment programs an allegation Havana has denied.
U.S. diplomats were advised to lobby for a “No” vote on the resolution but were told that abstentions or absences from the vote would also serve Washington’s purpose. The annual resolution, introduced by Cuba since 1992, routinely passes with overwhelming support last year, 187 countries voted in favor, while only the United States and Israel opposed it, and Moldova abstained.
The campaign marks a continuation of President Donald Trump’s tougher stance on Cuba since returning to office. His administration has reinstated Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, expanded economic sanctions, and restricted travel and remittances. Officials argue that the island’s deepening ties with Russia justify stronger containment measures.
The cable contends that Havana’s economic difficulties stem not from U.S. sanctions but from “corruption and incompetence” within the Cuban leadership. It further claims that Cuba’s alleged cooperation with Moscow and its support for leftist movements in Latin America pose a broader threat to democratic governance in the region.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez has dismissed the U.S. allegations as unfounded and politically motivated, accusing Washington of weaponizing misinformation to justify continued economic pressure. He argued that the U.S. embargo which has been in place for more than 60 years remains the principal obstacle to Cuba’s economic development and a violation of international law.
Rodríguez also maintained that Cuba is not involved in the Ukrainian conflict, calling the accusations “a fabrication aimed at deflecting attention from the U.S.’s own geopolitical failures.” Havana’s representatives at the United Nations have yet to respond officially, but past statements have condemned Washington’s efforts as “an act of moral and diplomatic isolation.”
While the U.N. vote is non-binding, it carries significant diplomatic weight as a global measure of sentiment toward U.S. policy. The American push to dissuade allies from supporting Cuba reflects a broader strategic effort to frame Havana not as a victim of sanctions but as an active player in international security risks, especially through alleged military and intelligence cooperation with Moscow.
Analysts say the new U.S. approach could further deepen divisions between Washington and Latin American countries that traditionally oppose the embargo. Many view the annual U.N. resolution as a moral statement against unilateral sanctions.
As the U.N. prepares to deliberate on the motion in coming weeks, the U.S. diplomatic offensive underscores a return to Cold War-style confrontation where Cuba, once again, finds itself at the intersection of global power politics.