---
title: "Cuba says US embargo caused $8bn in damages, denies talks with Washington"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/cuba-says-us-embargo-caused-8bn-in-damages-denies-talks-with-washington"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/cuba-says-us-embargo-caused-8bn-in-damages-denies-talks-with-washington"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/cuba-says-us-embargo-caused-8bn-in-damages-denies-talks-with-washington.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/cuba-says-us-embargo-caused-8bn-in-damages-denies-talks-with-washington"
category: "Politics"
area: "United States"
published: "2026-09-07T20:05:13.906Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-07T19:34:04.000Z"
updated: "2026-09-07T20:05:13.906Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 57
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-07T20:00:14.646987+00:00"
---

# Cuba says US embargo caused $8bn in damages, denies talks with Washington

*Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez reported record losses and blamed US sanctions for nationwide blackouts.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to named body, with figures and dates provided, but relies on anonymous sourcing for some details.
- Craft 57 of 100, higher is better. Reporting includes quotes from affected parties and mentions what happens next, but lacks clear separation of fact from comment.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines and digests use strong language like 'genocidal' and 'record losses' without significant elaboration in the provided text.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated that no negotiations or future talks are planned with the United States.
- Cuba claims the US blockade caused over $8 billion in economic damages from March 2025 to February 2026.
- The reported damages represent a 7% increase compared to the previous year.
- Cuba attributes nationwide blackouts to a US oil blockade.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez announced on Monday that Cuba is not engaged in any negotiations or future talks with Washington. He stated that the US blockade has caused over $8 billion in economic damages to the island nation between March 2025 and February 2026. This figure represents a 7% increase in damages compared to the previous year.

Rodriguez also attributed nationwide blackouts to a US oil blockade imposed earlier in the year. He described the blockade as "genocidal" and stated it punishes every person in Cuba, leading to prolonged periods with minimal electricity and spoilage of food due to heat.

## Disagreement on total damages

While most reports state the damages exceeded $8 billion, some sources provide slightly different figures. Belta.by reported damages of over $8.83 billion. News-pravda.com and BAKU.WS also reported damages exceeding $8.8 billion. 1prime.ru and 20min.lt stated the figure was $8.083 billion. EFE and Felix Victorino reported $8.0833 billion. Hindustan Times and WTVB reported $8.1 billion.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated reports mention the specific figure of $8.083 billion for damages that was reported by some centre and right-rated outlets. None of the right-rated reports mention the United Nations' statement that the US sanctions are a violation of international law.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 17 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 12% (2)
- Centre: 53% (9)
- Right: 35% (6)

29 of 46 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-07T20:00:14.646987+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 1 time; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-07T20:15:37.423Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-rated reports highlighted Cuba's denunciation of the US blockade as "genocidal" and reported the record damages. Dnevni list Danas quoted Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stating there are no negotiations or plans for future talks with Washington, and that the blockade caused over $8 billion in damages, a 7% increase from the previous year. The report also mentioned the US imposing an oil blockade leading to nationwide blackouts and cited the United Nations calling the sanctions a violation of international law. TeleSUR reported Cuba denouncing record damage of more than $8 billion due to the US blockade, and also mentioned cumulative impacts exceeding $178.7 billion.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports focused on Cuba's claim of record economic damages from the US embargo and the denial of negotiations with Washington. Hindustan Times reported that Cuba's foreign minister stated there were no talks underway or planned, amid a "genocidal" blockade that cost the island over $8 billion in damages, a 7% increase from the previous year. The report noted the US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment and that the United Nations called the sanctions a violation of international law. Yle mentioned living conditions are poor due to frequent power outages and that the US imposed an oil embargo. WTVB and Reuters also reported the minister's statement on no negotiations and the blockade's cost. Hola News and El Diario reported the $8 billion figure, with El Diario noting it did not include damage from the energy blockade. Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija and 15min.lt reported record losses of over $8 billion. EFE reported the cost at $8.083.3 million, 7% more than the previous year. 22min.lt also reported record losses of over $8 billion.

### Right

- Right-rated reports focused on Cuba's announcement of record losses due to the US embargo and the denial of negotiations. Globo reported Cuba's main diplomat stating there were no ongoing or planned negotiations with the US amid the blockade that caused over $8 billion in economic losses. The Straits Times and Reforma reported similar statements regarding no negotiations and over $8 billion in losses. Vz.ru reported the Cuban Foreign Ministry announced record damages exceeding $8 billion, with specific figures of $8.083 billion for the period. News-pravda.com reported damages exceeding $8.8 billion.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- veryLow: 1
- mixed: 2
- high: 10
- unknown: 32
- veryHigh: 1

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [yle](https://yle.fi/a/74-20245051) — Cuba: US Embargo Caused Record Losses of Billions
- [belta.by](https://belta.by/world/view/mid-kuby-otsenil-godovoj-uscherb-ot-blokady-ssha-v-bolee-chem-v-883-mlrd-799892-2026) — The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs Estimated the Annual Cost of the United States Embargo at More than $8.83 Billion.
- [WTVB](https://wtvbam.com/2026/09/07/cubas-foreign-minister-says-no-negotiations-despite-genocidal-blockade) — Cuba’s foreign minister says no negotiations despite “genocidal” blockade
- [Dnevni list Danas](https://danas.rs/svet/kuba-ne-pregovara-se-sa-vasingtonom) — Cuban Foreign Minister: There Are No Negotiations with Washington
- [Globo](https://valor.globo.com/mundo/noticia/2026/09/07/ministro-das-relaes-exteriores-de-cuba-diz-que-no-h-negociaes-apesar-de-bloqueio-genocida.ghtml) — Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cuba Says There Are No Negotiations Despite ‘Genocide' Blockade
- [diariodecuba.com](https://diariodecuba.com/cuba/1788806925_68812.html) — The Story of the Good Victim: Havana Blames the Embargo for Not Growing GDP by 10.8%
- [dialogos.com.cy](https://dialogos.com.cy/i-avana-kataggellei-ton-oikonomiko-antiktypo-rekor-toy-amerikanikoy-empargko) — Havana Denounces "Record" Economic Impact of US Embargo
- [asriran.com](https://asriran.com/fa/news/1190088/%DA%A9%D9%88%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D9%85%D8%B0%D8%A7%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%87-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%B1%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%A7-%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D8%AA%DA%A9%D8%B0%DB%8C%D8%A8-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D8%AF) — Cuba Denies Negotiating with the US
- [La Nación, Grupo Nación](https://nacion.com/el-mundo/embargo-de-estados-unidos-dejo-a-cuba-8000/4MNTUZEWJND2HEXN3W6W43XG7U/story) — U.S. Embargo Left Cuba $8 Billion in Losses in a Year, Says Island Government
- [El Economista](https://eleconomista.com.mx/internacionales/cuba-denuncia-impacto-financiero-record-embargo-eu-20260907-832259.html) — Cuba Denounces Financial Impact "Record" of the US Embargo
- [The Straits Times](https://straitstimes.com/world/cubas-foreign-minister-says-no-negotiations-despite-genocidal-blockade) — Cuba's foreign minister says no negotiations despite "genocidal" blockade
- [Hindustan Times](https://hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/cubas-foreign-minister-says-no-negotiations-despite-genocidal-blockade-101788807112848.html) — Cuba's foreign minister says no negotiations despite "genocidal" blockade
- [Felix Victorino](https://fvdigital.do/mundocuba-cifra-en-un-record-de-8-000-millones-de-dolares-el-coste-del-embargo-de-eeuu-sobre-la-isla-en-el-ultimo-ano-fvdigital) — #World: Cuba Puts the Cost of the US Embargo on the Island at a Record $8 Billion in the Last Year #FVDigital
- [Hola News](https://holanews.com/cuba-cifra-en-8-0833-millones-de-dolares-los-costes-del-embargo-de-eeuu-en-el-ultimo-ano) — Cuba Puts the Cost of the US Embargo in the Last Year at 8,083.3 Million Dollars
- [El Diario](https://diario.mx/internacional/2026/sep/07/cifra-cuba-en-8-mil-mdd-perdidas-por-embargo-de-eu-1137080.html) — Cuba in 8 Thousand Mdd Losses Due to U.S. Embargo
- [Capital.gr](https://capital.gr/diethni/4015161/kouba-oikonomikes-apoleies-8-dis-dolarion-apo-to-amerikaniko-empargko) — Cuba: Economic Losses of $8 Billion From the US Embargo
- [Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija](https://lrt.lt/naujienos/verslas/4/3045445/kuba-teigia-del-jav-embargo-patyrusi-rekordine-ekonomine-zala) — Cuba Says It Has Suffered Record Economic Damage From US Embargo
- [BAKU.WS: Xəbəriniz olsun](https://baku.ws/dunya/abs-kubaya-178-milyard-dollar-zerer-vurub) — The US Has Caused $178 Billion in Damage to Cuba
- [teleSUR](https://telesurtv.net/cuba-danos-mas-8-000-millones-bloqueo) — Cuba Denounces Record Damage of More than $8 Billion Due to U.S. Blockade
- [insider.gr](https://insider.gr/oikonomia/423862/i-abana-kataggellei-ton-oikonomiko-antiktypo-rekor-toy-amerikanikoy-empargko) — Havana Denounces the "Record" Economic Impact of the US Embargo
- [El Comercio](https://elcomercio.pe/mundo/centroamerica/cuba-denuncia-impacto-financiero-record-del-embargo-de-estados-unidos-sin-incluir-bloqueo-petrolero-ultimas-noticia) — Cuba Denounces “Record” Financial Impact of the U.S. Embargo, Not Including Oil Embargo
- [1prime.ru](https://1prime.ru/20260907/kuba-873089634.html) — Cuba Has Declared Record Damage From the United States Embargo
- [Unknown](https://neakriti.gr/kosmos/2198622_koyba-logariasmos-8-dis-dolarion-apo-amerikaniko-empargko-den-ypologizetai-o) — Cuba: $8 Billion 'Bill' From US Embargo — 'Energy Blockade Not Counted'
- [Business Daily](https://businessdaily.gr/diethni/230583_i-koyba-kataggellei-oikonomiko-antiktypo-rekor-apo-amerikaniko-empargko) — Havana Reports Record Economic Losses From US Embargo
- [vz.ru](https://vz.ru/news/2026/9/7/1449569.html) — The Cuban Foreign Ministry Announced Record Damage From the US Blockade
- [EFE](https://efe.com/economia/2026-09-07/cuba-dice-que-el-embargo-de-ee-uu-costo-un-record-de-8-000-millones-de-dolares-en-el-ultimo-ano) — Cuba Says the U.S. Embargo Cost a Record $8 Billion in the Past Year
- [15min.lt](https://15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/pasaulis/kuba-teigia-del-jav-embargo-patyrusi-rekordine-ekonomine-zala-57-2758874) — Cuba Says It Has Suffered Record Economic Damage From US Embargo
- [estrepublicain.fr](https://estrepublicain.fr/economie/2026/09/07/en-un-an-l-embargo-americain-aurait-coute-8-milliars-de-dollars-a-la-havane) — Cuba. In One Year, the US Embargo Would Have Cost Havana $8 Million.
- [bienpublic.com](https://bienpublic.com/economie/2026/09/07/en-un-an-l-embargo-americain-aurait-coute-8-milliars-de-dollars-a-la-havane) — Cuba. In One Year, the US Embargo Would Have Cost the Island $8 Billion.
- [republicain-lorrain.fr](https://republicain-lorrain.fr/economie/2026/09/07/en-un-an-l-embargo-americain-aurait-coute-8-milliars-de-dollars-a-la-havane) — Cuba. In One Year, the US Embargo Would Have Cost Havana $8 Million.
- [vosgesmatin.fr](https://vosgesmatin.fr/economie/2026/09/07/en-un-an-l-embargo-americain-aurait-coute-8-milliars-de-dollars-a-la-havane) — Cuba. In One Year, the US Embargo Would Have Cost the Island $8 Billion.
- [lejsl.com](https://lejsl.com/economie/2026/09/07/en-un-an-l-embargo-americain-aurait-coute-8-milliars-de-dollars-a-la-havane) — Cuba. In One Year, the US Embargo Would Have Cost the Island $8 Billion.
- [Reforma](https://reforma.com/cifra-cuba-en-8-mil-mdd-perdidas-por-embargo-de-eu/ar3271688) — Cuba in 8 Thousand Mdd Losses Due to U.S. Embargo
- [news-pravda.com](https://news-pravda.com/usa/2026/09/07/2573991.html) — The damage caused to Cuba during the year by the US blockade exceeded $8.8 billion. This was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Caribbean Republic, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla
- [Naftemporiki](https://naftemporiki.gr/kosmos/2158573/koyva-zimies-rekor-ano-ton-8-dis-dolarion-apo-tis-kyroseis-ton-ipa) — Cuba: Record Losses of over $8 Billion From US Sanctions
- [www.prensa-latina.cu](https://prensa-latina.cu/2026/09/07/bloqueo-contra-cuba-un-genocidio-silencioso-afirma-canciller) — Blockade Against Cuba: a Silent Genocide, Says Chancellor - Noticias Prensa Latina
- [cnctvgranma.cu](https://cnctvgranma.cu/07/09/2026/cuba/danos-de-bloqueo-a-cuba-superan-los-ocho-mil-millones-de-dolares-video) — Blockade Damage to Cuba Exceeds Eight Billion Dollars (+ Video) - CNC TV Granma
- [Insider Paper](https://insiderpaper.com/cuba-denounces-record-economic-damage-from-us-embargo) — Cuba denounces 'record' economic damage from US embargo
- [Radio Havana Cuba](https://radiohc.cu/danos-de-bloqueo-a-cuba-superan-los-ocho-mil-millones-de-dolares) — Blockade Damage to Cuba Exceeds Eight Billion Dollars - Radio Habana Cuba
- [Cubadebate](http://cubadebate.cu/noticias/2026/09/07/bruno-rodriguez-detras-de-cada-cifra-del-bloqueo-hay-un-rostro-humano-danos-record-de-8083-millones-de-dolares-en-un-ano) — Bruno Rodríguez: “Behind Every Figure of the Blockade Is a Human Face”: Record Damage of $8.83 Million in a Year
- [Trabajadores](https://trabajadores.cu/20260907/el-bloqueo-de-ee-uu-castiga-la-vida-cotidiana-del-pueblo-cubano) — U.S. Blockade Punishes the Daily Life of the Cuban People
- [radiorebelde.cu](https://radiorebelde.cu/presenta-bruno-rodriguez-el-informe-de-cuba-que-denuncia-los-danos-del-bloqueo-07092026) — Bruno Rodríguez Presents Cuba's Report Denouncing the Damage Caused by the Embargo
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/0d0243902e976c17) — Cuba slams US 'genocidal blockade'
- [juventudrebelde.cu](https://juventudrebelde.cu/internacionales/2026-09-07/contundente-rechazo-al-bloqueo-se-espera-otra-vez-ante-la-onu) — Contundant Rejection of the Blockade Is Expected Again Before the UN
- [Metrópoles](https://metropoles.com/mundo/cuba-denuncia-danos-de-us-8-bilhoes-provocados-por-embargo-dos-eua) — Cuba Reports Damages of US$8 Billion Caused by U.S. Embargo
- [Reuters](https://reuters.com/world/americas/cubas-foreign-minister-says-no-negotiations-despite-genocidal-blockade-2026-09-07) — Cuba's foreign minister says no negotiations despite "genocidal" blockade

## Questions

**What did Cuba's Foreign Minister say about negotiations with the US?**

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated that there are no negotiations currently underway with the United States, nor are there any plans for future talks. He made these remarks amid ongoing US sanctions against the island nation.

**How much economic damage does Cuba claim the US embargo caused?**

Cuba claims that the US blockade caused over $8 billion in economic damages between March 2025 and February 2026. This figure represents a 7% increase compared to the previous year's reported damages.

**What is the cause of the nationwide blackouts in Cuba?**

According to Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, nationwide blackouts are a result of an oil blockade imposed by the United States. He described this action as part of a "genocidal" blockade that impacts the daily lives of Cuban citizens.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/cuba-says-us-embargo-caused-8bn-in-damages-denies-talks-with-washington. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Cuba says US embargo caused $8bn in damages, denies talks with Washington", https://mediabias.news/politics/cuba-says-us-embargo-caused-8bn-in-damages-denies-talks-with-washington