The United States imposed sanctions on Aug. 6 against five entities and eight individuals involved in foreign weapons purchases for Cuba. The targets procured arms abroad for the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba and Cuban intelligence services.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions. Rubio said the Cuban communist regime is a state sponsor of terrorism that damages United States security and collaborates closely with adversaries including China, Russia, and Iran. He noted that the penalties were issued under an executive order by President Donald Trump allowing stronger sanctions against Cuba.
Sanctioned Companies and Military Officials
The sanction list includes the Yuri Gagarin Military-Industrial Enterprise, a firm that repairs military helicopters and aircraft, including aircraft of Russian origin. Four other designated organizations supply weapons to Cuba, including arms originating from Russia.
Individual targets include Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces Alvaro Lopez Miera and Chief of the General Staff Roberto Legra Sotolongo. The sanctions also target Monica Milian Gomez, Cuba's military attache in Russia, as well as Cuba's military attache in China, Ministry of Armed Forces officials, and enterprise executives.
Diplomatic Escalation and Economic Pressure
Relations between Washington and Havana have escalated sharply since Trump returned to the White House. In early 2026, Washington introduced an oil blockade against Cuba, triggering the country's worst economic crisis in decades.
Washington has also filed criminal charges against former leader Raul Castro. Furthermore, US officials stated they are seeking to remove Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel from power.
