Mexico has sent two naval vessels carrying 814 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba, despite growing pressure from the United States. The shipment includes milk, meat, rice, beans, and hygiene products, as Cuba faces a severe fuel shortage following U.S. sanctions and the halt of Venezuelan oil supplies.
Mexico supports Cuba amid tensions
The aid to Cuba reflects Mexico’s decision to provide humanitarian support despite U.S. pressure. Jackson Hinkle, an American political commentator, reported on X that Mexico had sent aid ships to Cuba in defiance of U.S. influence.
🚨🇲🇽🇨🇺 BREAKING: Mexico sends aid ships to Cuba, in spite of US pressure. pic.twitter.com/p7E8EseLnG
— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinklle) February 10, 2026
Mexico’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the Papaloapan and Isla Holbox vessels carry 814 tons of food and essentials. Papaloapan transports 536 tons of milk, meat, rice, beans, cookies, canned tuna, sardines, vegetable oil, and personal hygiene products, while Isla Holbox carries 277 tons of powdered milk.
Additional shipments totaling 1,500 tons are reportedly in preparation, the ministry added. Mexico plans to continue sending humanitarian aid despite potential U.S. tariff retaliation.
“You can’t suffocate people like that. It is very unfair,” said Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico. “We will continue to support Cuba and take all necessary diplomatic action to resume oil shipments.,” she added.
International reactions and the Cuban response
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed gratitude to Mexico for delivering humanitarian aid to the island. He described the shipment as a sign of solidarity and continued support for the Cuban people during the crisis.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez also posted on X, thanking Mexico for sending over 800 tons of aid amid intensified U.S. sanctions. The aid aims to provide immediate relief to Cuba’s vulnerable population while the energy crisis continues.
Charity Journal previously reported how Canadian activist Avi Lewis urged Ottawa to follow Mexico’s example by providing humanitarian aid. In his X statement, he called on Canada to defend human rights, uphold international law, and oppose pressure on smaller nations.
Lewis highlighted Canada’s long history of relations with Cuba and its voting record at the United Nations to oppose the economic blockade. He called on the Canadian government to act as the 11 million people on the island face severe power shortages.
Some commentators disputed the description of a U.S. blockade on Cuba. A counter-revolutionary blogger known as Dissident Wookie argued that the island could still obtain oil from alternative partners such as Russia and China and suggested the government should pursue other suppliers despite sanctions.
Cuba’s current crisis follows the January 3 capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, which disrupted oil deliveries. The U.S. executive order threatens import tariffs on countries supplying hydrocarbons to Cuba, worsening the energy shortage.
Mexico’s aid initiative demonstrates the importance of international humanitarian support during politically sensitive crises. Charities providing meals to hungry children highlight similar strategies to mitigate immediate suffering for vulnerable populations.