In brief
The resolution passed 130–17–25 (votes for, against, abstentions) for the 34th time, with Cuba reporting a drop of 35 votes from the 2025 tally. Cuban officials framed the decision as a victory over U.S. pressure, while U.P.I. highlighted the loss of backing and U.S. officials blamed Cuba’s policy. Other outlets – from Prensa Latina and Xinhua – offered a range of solidarities and critiques, underscoring the debate’s global reach.
The United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution calling for the end of the United States embargo against Cuba on October 27‑28th, with 130 member states voting in favor, 17 against, and 25 abstaining, as reported by the official U.N. record.
United Press International focused on the numerical shift, noting that Cuba had lost 35 votes in support compared to the previous year’s 165 votes in favor. The reporting highlighted a rise in opposition and abstention numbers, citing Latin American countries such as Argentina and Colombia moving from support to opposition, and European states like Germany moving to abstention. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla said that the U.S. blockade caused economic and humanitarian consequences, and accused Washington of an economic campaign aimed at causing regime change.
"The consequences fall on people, limit their fundamental human rights, affect third countries and turn the population's essential needs into instruments of political coercion," said Rodríguez in a statement posted on X.
Xinhua framed the vote as a “victory” for Cuba, describing the resolution’s passage as “a triumph of the truth over those who rely on lies and blackmail.” Cuban President Miguel Diaz‑Canel posted on X praising the decision and the stubbornness of the Cuban people.
"The outcome is a triumph of the truth over those who rely on lies and blackmail to subject an entire nation to collective punishment," Diaz‑Canel wrote.The outlet also quoted Cuban Foreign Minister Rodríguez, who described the vote as a “new victory” against U.S. sanctions. Xinhua noted that the U.S. embargo has caused nearly 179 billion U.S. dollars in economic losses.
Prensa Latina – African Call called for collective African action, warning that U.S. pressure tactics resemble blackmail and could target other states next. The article cited analyst Fortune Madondo, who urged African governments to vote unanimously for the resolution in the General Assembly, warning that Washington’s tactics mirror those used during apartheid.
Prensa Latina – Italian Academic highlighted solidarity with Cuba, urging European governments to reject Washington’s influence ahead of the vote. Italian scholar Luciano Vasapollo emphasized humanitarian impacts and cited Cuban social programs, stressing that the blockade hinders access to essential resources.
Prensa Latina – Italian Government Letter reported that the National Italy‑Cuba Friendship Association sent a letter to Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani urging a favorable vote, citing Italy’s historical opposition to U.S. sanctions and warning against U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s influence.
Prensa Latina – Cuban Ambassador to the Holy See described the blockade as genocidal, quoting Ambassador Leyde Rodríguez. He estimated damages of $8.083 billion from March 2025 to February 2026, claiming the policy amounts to a form of collective punishment and comparing the energy siege to a naval blockade.
Prensa Latina – Former Peruvian Ambassador urged Latin Americans to defend Cuba’s sovereignty, referencing Peru’s diplomatic tradition and labeling U.S. actions as attempts at domination.
Prensa Latina – Brazilian Committee added solidarity with Cuba and former leader Raul Castro, condemning the U.S. blockade and criticizing U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s pressures on other governments to oppose the resolution.
