Cuba Remains Resilient Amidst Uncertain Future Following the Maduro Ouster

Thu Jan 08 2026 01:42:17 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the wake of Nicolás Maduro's removal from power, Cuba faces a daunting economic and political landscape, deeply intertwined with Venezuela's fate.

Cuba condemns the US military operation leading to Nicolás Maduro's ouster, mourning the loss of Cuban nationals involved. The Caribbean nation, grappling with its worst economic crisis since the Cold War, fears a drastic reduction in Venezuelan oil supplies, as ongoing relations between the two countries face substantial strain. Amidst political turmoil and energy shortages, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel asserts the resilience of the Cuban Revolution.

As Cuba braces for a post-Maduro era, the island nation finds itself in a precarious position following the recent US military operation that led to the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The long-standing ties between Havana and Caracas, characterized by mutual support and shared socialist ideology, now face an uncertain future.

Cuba's political landscape has been heavily influenced by Venezuela since the era of Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro's alignment in 1999. The two countries established a partnership where Venezuela supplied oil in exchange for Cuban medical personnel. However, Maduro's recent removal, signaled by an aggressive US intervention, raises serious concerns for Cuba's oil supply and overall stability.

Cuban officials have condemned the operation as illegal, declaring two days of national mourning for the 32 Cuban nationals who died. Historically, many Cuban agents and specialists have held influential positions in Venezuela, leading to worries about the eroding influence of Cuba in Caracas post-Maduro.

Moreover, the impending reduction in Venezuelan oil deliveries, estimated at around 35,000 barrels per day, could exacerbate the already dire energy crisis in Cuba, which has suffered from rolling blackouts and food shortages due to prolonged economic difficulties.

Amidst these challenges, President Miguel Díaz-Canel has pledged to honor the fallen Cubans while asserting that the government remains steadfast against external pressures. Cuban resilience in the face of upheaval continues to define its narrative against the backdrop of US antagonism.

The continuation of US sanctions and the threat of increased interventionism from the Trump administration have further complicated the situation. Observers note that the shift in Venezuelan leadership may present an opportunity for US officials to leverage economic pressure against Havana, complicating efforts to maintain stability on the island.

The road ahead for Cuba is bleak, yet the island holds onto its revolutionary ideals, ready to confront the challenges that lie in the wake of Maduro's departure.