"Cuba is a sovereign nation with the right to self-determination. We will not accept becoming a vassal state or dependent on any nation or superpower," Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio said in an interview with U.S. broadcaster NBC News on 22/3.

Cossio's statement comes as the U.S. intensifies pressure on Cuba, nearly completely blocking oil supplies to the island nation. This has plunged the country into an energy crisis, marked by severe and prolonged power outages. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez stated that the country has not received any oil shipments in the past three months.

Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio spoke during an interview on 22/3. *Photo: NBC News*.

Diaz-Canel recently posted on X, asserting that "any aggressive external force will face fierce resistance." When journalist Kristen Welker asked, "Do you believe that any U.S. action would escalate into a military conflict?", Deputy Minister Cossio responded that Cuba "hopes that does not happen."

"Frankly, we see no legitimate reason for military action against Cuba. This is a peaceful nation. We are not an enemy of the U.S., nor do we pose any threat to Washington," Cossio replied.

He stated that Cuba has publicly declared its desire for a friendly, respectful relationship with the U.S. and the Washington administration. However, he emphasized that the Cuban military remains prepared for any conflict scenario.

"Our military is, in fact, still preparing for the possibility of military aggression these days. It would be too naive not to, given what is happening in the world. But we truly hope this does not happen," Cossio responded.

When asked specifically what Havana is preparing, Cossio stated that Cuba "has always been ready to mobilize its entire population to counter any military aggression."

U.S. President Donald Trump in his office on 1/3. *Photo: AFP*.

Tensions between the U.S. and Cuba escalated after Washington launched a raid to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January and tightened control over the South American nation's oil exports.

In March, Cuba experienced multiple nationwide power outages lasting for hours, forcing the country to exert efforts to resolve them. During the interview, Cossio stated that these were a consequence of U.S. pressure actions against Cuba, and this situation "cannot continue indefinitely."

Duc Trung (According to NBC News, AP, AFP)