U.S. steps up pressure on diplomats to oppose Cuba resolution at U.N.

The Trump administration is stepping up pressure on allies to oppose a longstanding U.N. General Assembly resolution calling for the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Cuba. 

Cuba is allegedly supporting Russia's war by sending fighters to Ukraine, which has fueled the increased pressure.

According to an internal unclassified cable from October 2, the State Department instructed diplomats to stress that Havana is contributing directly to Moscow’s military efforts — with an estimated 1,000 to 5,000 Cuban nationals allegedly participating in combat in Ukraine. The memo argues that this disqualifies Cuba from receiving broad support among democratic nations, according to Reuters.

A U.N. General Assembly resolution in 2024 that would ease sanctions on Cuba secured 187 “yes” votes, with only the U.S. and Israel opposing and Moldova abstaining, Reuters reported.

Under the latest instructions, U.S. diplomats are being asked to vote no and encourage abstentions or absences to weaken the resolution.

Cuba’s U.N. mission has not publicly replied. In the past, Havana has blamed U.S. sanctions for its economic woes.