Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for an end to the United States’ decades-old economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba, but international support for the measure declined significantly compared with last year. The resolution received 130 votes in favor, 17 against and 25 abstentions. In 2025, the measure received 165 votes in favor, seven against and 12 abstentions, marking a substantial shift in the Assembly’s voting pattern.
The annual vote reflects the international community’s long-standing opposition to the embargo, which dates back to 1960. However, the resolution is not legally binding and does not require the United States to lift its restrictions.
The latest vote marked the lowest level of support for the resolution since the mid-1990s. Several countries that had traditionally supported the measure abstained this year, including Germany, Italy and Latvia. A number of countries also voted against the resolution, including some that had not previously opposed it in recent years. The changes came amid a renewed US diplomatic effort to persuade governments to reconsider their positions.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz welcomed the shift in voting, describing it as evidence that Washington’s arguments were gaining support. The United States maintains that Cuba’s economic difficulties stem primarily from its government’s policies and political system.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla defended the resolution, arguing that US restrictions have contributed to shortages of fuel, medicines, food and other essential goods. Rodríguez said the effects of the embargo extend beyond government finances and directly affect Cuban families and patients who depend on access to essential supplies.
Cuba has repeatedly argued that the restrictions violate its sovereignty and undermine its ability to trade freely with other countries. Havana has also criticized Washington for increasing economic pressure on the island. The US government rejects Cuba’s characterization of the sanctions, arguing that its policy is intended to challenge the Cuban government rather than punish ordinary citizens.
The General Assembly has voted annually on a resolution calling for an end to the embargo since 1992, with the exception of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Support reached 191 votes in favor in 2015, 2016 and 2017, when relations between Washington and Havana briefly improved.
The dispute has intensified as Cuba faces severe economic difficulties, including fuel shortages, power outages and shortages of basic goods. The US administration has also increased pressure on Havana and raised the possibility of further action against the Cuban government. The issue prompted heated exchanges between US and Cuban representatives during the Assembly’s debate this week, highlighting the growing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Although the General Assembly resolution cannot compel Washington to change its policy, the annual vote remains an important indicator of international opinion on the embargo. Lifting the US embargo would require action through the US legal and political system, including Congress where applicable. The latest vote therefore renews international pressure on Washington but does not itself change the restrictions.
The decline in support, however, signals a notable diplomatic shift and gives the United States an opportunity to argue that opposition to its Cuba policy is no longer as broad as in previous years.
