The Government of Cuba classified as “international crimes” and “genocidal” the recent executive orders from the United States that toughen the sanctions against the island, in a new episode of diplomatic escalation between both countries.

The Cuban chancellor, Bruno Rodríguez, denounced that “both the economic and energy blockade, and the new extraterritorial coercive measures; as the threat of military aggression and the aggression itself are international crimes”, in reference to the provisions adopted by Washington.

Likewise, he considered that it is “cynical and hypocritical” for the US to criticize the internal situation in Cuba while “it has been decades trying to devastate the country with an economic war.”

The statements come after the signing of a new executive order by US President, Donald Trump, which expands sanctions to almost any any person or company, including foreign, that maintains economic relations with Cuba, especially in strategic sectors such as energy, defense and finance.

This measure includes secondary sanctions and the blocking of assets, which increases international pressure on the Cuban economy.

The decision is added to another executive order issued at the end of January, through which Washington established a tariff scheme against countries that supply oil to the island.

This policy has been interpreted by Havana as an “oil blockade”, in a context in which Cuba faces a severe energy crisis aggravated by the interruption of supplies from Venezuela.

In accordance with the Cuban Government, these actions seek to “subject to extreme living conditions” to the population, by limiting access to fuels and affecting basic services.

Experts cited by international media point out that the new sanctions have already contributed to aggravating fuel shortages and blackouts on the island.

In parallel, political tension has increased following recent statements by the US president, who even suggested possible stronger actions against Cuba in the framework of his foreign strategy.

Washington has justified the measures by accusing the Cuban Government of representing a threat to its national security and of maintaining links with actors considered hostile.

For its part, the United States has insisted that Havana must negotiate economic and political reforms, while the Cuban Government rejects any conditions considering that these are internal and sovereign matters.

Although both parties have acknowledged the existence of diplomatic contacts, until now concrete advances have not been disclosed.