US imposes sanctions against 5 Cuban companies and Raul Castro's daughter-in-law

The United States has imposed new sanctions on five Cuban companies linked to the military-controlled business conglomerate Gaesa, along with Annalie Lilliam Rueda Cardero, the wife of Alejandro Castro Espín, son of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. The announcement was made on Tuesday, marking another escalation in U.S.-Cuba tensions amid ongoing economic and political challenges facing the Caribbean island nation. The targeted entities include Almacenes Universales, a logistics company under Gaesa; Rafin and Banco Financiero Internacional, financial institutions tied to the conglomerate; and two state-owned mining firms, Geominera and Empresa Siderúrgica José Martí, commonly known as Antillana de Acero, which is recognized as Cuba's largest steel producer.

According to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, these entities play a crucial role in facilitating financial transactions on behalf of the Cuban government. He described Gaesa as the "muscle behind the regime’s security apparatus," emphasizing its significance in sustaining the Cuban economy. The sanctions prevent these companies and individuals from engaging in any economic relations with U.S. counterparts or accessing the American financial system. Additionally, any property or assets they hold in the United States are now blocked.

This move comes after months of increasing pressure from Washington against Cuba, which is currently experiencing one of the worst economic crises in decades. The U.S. has implemented a petroleum blockade since January, exacerbating energy shortages on the island. In June, the Department of State announced sanctions against Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and members of the Castro family, including Alejandro Castro Espín, who played a pivotal role in restoring diplomatic ties between the two nations in 2015. His wife, Annalie Lilliam Rueda Cardero, is now also included in the sanctions list.

In response to the sanctions, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez criticized the U.S. administration, calling the actions of Secretary of State Marco Rubio dishonest and misleading. He accused the U.S. of attempting to tighten the economic squeeze on Cuba, labeling such measures as criminal given the country's already dire situation.

Meanwhile, the crisis in Cuba has led to a significant increase in asylum applications from Cubans seeking refuge abroad. According to a report released by the International Migration Observatory (OBMigra), Cubans surpassed Venezuelans in the number of asylum requests submitted to Brazil in 2025. Last year alone, there were 75,599 asylum applications recorded in Brazil, with 41,919 coming from Cuban applicants—accounting for over half of the total. This represents an 88.1% increase compared to the previous year.

The worsening economic conditions in Cuba have been marked by severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine, alongside rising violence and restrictions on individual freedoms. Salaries and benefits in Cuba are equivalent to approximately $15 (around R$75) in real terms, while a basic basket of goods in the informal market can exceed $200 (approximately R$1,000).

In May, the Trump administration expanded sanctions targeting financial structures connected to the military, including Gaesa, which Washington identifies as a central player in controlling resources on the island. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently told Fox News that Cubans are "literally eating trash in the streets" while the wealth of the country remains concentrated within structures controlled by the regime.

Adding to the narrative of resistance, Cuban writer Abel Prieto, president of the Cuban organization Casa de las Américas, emphasized that Cuba would never surrender to external pressures. Speaking during his visit to Brazil, he stated that the country faces an "extremely tense" situation due to the long-standing economic embargo, which has become even more severe under the current U.S. administration. He noted that the energy blockade has crippled public transportation, forcing many Cubans to rely on bicycles or walking to get around.

Prieto highlighted how the lack of electricity has impacted healthcare services, with thousands waiting for surgeries due to power outages. He explained that the limited energy supply comes primarily from refining domestic crude oil, a resource that is both heavy and sulfur-rich but necessary for generating electricity. However, this solution does not meet the country's full energy needs, further straining the infrastructure.

The tourism sector, once a vital source of foreign currency for Cuba, has also suffered significantly. Cruise ships that once brought thousands of tourists to the island are now fewer, largely due to policies enacted under the Obama administration that allowed U.S. cruise lines to operate in Cuban ports. With the current U.S. stance, European travelers face additional hurdles, as visiting Cuba could jeopardize their ability to obtain a visa to enter the United States.

These developments underscore the deepening crisis in Cuba, where economic hardship continues to drive migration and international attention toward the island's plight. As the situation evolves, the responses from both Cuban officials and the international community will likely shape the future dynamics between Cuba and its neighbors, particularly in light of the ongoing sanctions and humanitarian concerns.