On January 11, 2026, US President Trump (Trump) stated on Sunday (January 11) that oil and funds from Venezuela will no longer flow to Cuba and urged the communist-oriented island nation to reach an agreement with the United States as soon as possible.
In a post on the social media platform “Truth Social” on Sunday morning, Trump wrote, “For years, Cuba has relied on Venezuela for a large amount of oil and money to survive. In exchange, Cuba provided so-called ‘security services’ for the past two Venezuelan dictators, but that will no longer be the case!”
Trump further pointed out that most of those who provided security services for Venezuela were killed in the previous US raid on Venezuela, and Venezuela no longer needs the “protection of villains and extortionists.” The United States, with the world’s most powerful military, will now protect Venezuela.
“There will be no more oil or funds flowing to Cuba – none! I strongly urge them to reach an agreement before it’s too late,” Trump wrote.
In the early hours of January 3, the United States captured the Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife in the capital of Venezuela, and currently, the two are facing charges and trial for “drug terrorism” in New York.
In recent days, Trump’s measures regarding Venezuelan oil have become a focus of attention. The US embargo on oil in this South American country has put even greater pressure on Cuba, which heavily relies on Venezuelan oil.
Cuba depends on importing crude oil and fuel to keep generators and vehicles running, with these energy sources mainly supplied by Venezuela and a small amount from Mexico through public market procurement.
However, since the US military arrested Maduro in early January, no goods have been shipped from Venezuelan ports to the Caribbean country of Cuba.
Cuba acknowledged that 32 Cuban armed forces and intelligence members died in the US operation to capture Maduro, who were responsible for providing “security and defense” services to Venezuela. But Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated on social media that Cuba has the right to import fuel from any willing supplier and denied that Cuba received money or other “material” compensation for providing security services to any country.
Shipping data shows that in recent weeks, Mexico has become an important alternative oil supplier for the island, but the supply volume is still small.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated last week that her country has not increased its oil supply to Venezuela, but due to recent events, Mexico has effectively become an important crude oil supplier to Cuba.
(Reference: Reuters)