UN General Assembly Condemns US Embargo on Cuba Amid Diplomatic Pressure

The United Nations General Assembly has called yet again for an end to the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba, with an overwhelming majority backing the resolution. Despite intense lobbying by the United States, which claimed up to 5,000 Cubans were fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, the resolution was adopted with 165 votes in favor, seven against, and 12 abstentions.

The U.S. managed to align Argentina, Hungary, North Macedonia, Paraguay, and Ukraine with its stance, alongside Israel opposing the resolution. This shows a shift from the previous year's voting pattern where 187 nations supported the resolution. Despite U.S. claims being dismissed by Cuban officials, who have launched legal proceedings against Cubans involved in mercenary activities, Cuba firmly supports peace discussions while siding with Russia.

The resolution, adopted annually for over three decades except in 2020, carries significant political weight, but only the U.S. Congress can officially lift the embargo. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez strongly criticized the embargo, while Deputy U.S. Ambassador Jeff Bartos defended the U.S. stance, attributing Cuba's financial woes to its regime’s refusal to reform.