With Venezuelan oil cut off, how vulnerable is Cuba now?

West Palm Beach: President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Cuba following the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, cautioning Havana to strike a deal with the United States “before it is too late.” Trump said Cuba, a long-time ally of Venezuela, would no longer receive oil or financial support linked to Caracas.

The United States has sharply escalated its rhetoric towards Cuba following the ouster of Venezuela’s long-time leader, signalling a tougher phase in Washington’s approach to Havana.

US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to the Cuban government, urging it to “make a deal before it’s too late”, after Venezuela — a key ally and economic lifeline for Cuba — was effectively removed from its regional role. The warning came amid reports of US actions aimed at disrupting Venezuela’s oil production and export network.

Cuba has historically depended on subsidised Venezuelan oil supplies, which helped sustain its economy despite decades of US sanctions. With those shipments now halted, analysts say Havana faces increased economic strain, particularly as the island is already grappling with fuel shortages, power outages, and shortages of basic goods.

In a series of social media posts, Trump said Cuba had benefited from Venezuelan oil and financial support in exchange for providing security assistance, adding that such arrangements would no longer continue. He did not specify what kind of agreement the Cuban government should pursue, but reiterated that there would be “no more oil or money” flowing to Havana.

The Cuban government, meanwhile, said several of its military personnel were killed during the US-led operation in Venezuela. Officials stated that the personnel were stationed in Caracas under longstanding bilateral agreements between Cuba and Venezuela.

Trump defended the US actions, saying Venezuela no longer required external protection and claimed that Washington would now ensure the country’s security. He also responded positively to social media speculation suggesting a future leadership role for US officials in Cuba, further underlining his administration’s confrontational tone.

US officials have increasingly linked Cuba’s economic difficulties to its alliance with Venezuela, arguing that the collapse of that partnership would deepen Havana’s crisis. Cuba has already been facing its worst economic downturn in decades, marked by inflation, shortages, and mass emigration.

The latest statements indicate a continued hardline US approach towards Cuba, with Washington applying economic and political pressure while stopping short of outlining specific next steps. Observers say the messaging appears aimed at isolating Havana diplomatically and forcing negotiations under strained conditions.