UN General Assembly Condemns US Embargo on Cuba

The United Nations General Assembly voted on October 28, 2026, to condemn the United States' economic embargo on Cuba for the 34th consecutive year. The resolution passed with 130 votes in favor, 17 against, and 25 abstentions. While the motion succeeded, support dropped significantly from the previous year's 165-7 vote, as the administration of Donald Trump influenced 23 more countries to oppose or abstain, including Western nations such as Germany, Italy, and Latvia.

The vote followed days of diplomatic friction. Cuban officials had previously reported that the embargo caused over US$8 million in damages between March 2025 and February 2026, contributing to a humanitarian collapse and an energy crisis that postponed over 100,000 surgical procedures. Cuban diplomats accused the United States Department of State of pressuring member states to weaken the resolution.

Tensions peaked on the General Assembly floor in a shouting match between U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla. The confrontation occurred as the Trump administration intensified the embargo and suggested U.S. warships could intervene in Cuba. While Cuban officials characterized the situation as a criminal energy blockade, U.S. representatives argued that Cuba's internal crises are the fault of its own government.