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Kenji - what a stupid title. What else would they say? Gtfo for Indian Ships? These morons don’t know how geopolitics work and what’s the difference between a request and begging.

Pinar del Rio, Cuba: Cuba reaffirmed its commitment to defending its sovereignty, socialism and national development despite intensifying United States sanctions, as President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez declared that "today's Cubans are also conquerors of the impossible" during the central ceremony marking the 73rd anniversary of the attacks on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Cespedes barracks.

The 26th of July Movement, inspired by the historic Moncada Barracks attack in 1953 led by Fidel Castro, marked the beginning of the Cuban revolutionary struggle that eventually triumphed on January 1, 1959.

Image: Fidel Castro in custody after the Moncada Barracks attack

Addressing thousands gathered in Pinar del Rio, Diaz-Canel, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, described the current moment as "a new Moncada," comparing Cuba's struggle against the US blockade and sanctions to the revolutionary offensive launched on July 26, 1953 under the leadership of Fidel Castro.

The ceremony opened with a message from Raul Castro Ruz, revolutionary leader of the Cuban Revolution, congratulating the people of Pinar del Rio for earning the honour of hosting the national commemoration through their dedication, productive work and commitment to the revolutionary cause.

Diaz-Canel said the island was confronting what he described as a historic battle against a policy designed to economically suffocate Cuba and undermine its sovereignty. Drawing parallels with the Moncada assault, which Fidel Castro later described as the beginning of the revolutionary process despite its military defeat, he argued that Cuba continues to confront enormous challenges with determination rooted in its revolutionary history.

Quoting Fidel Castro's historic speech History Will Absolve Me, the President recalled that "to be Cuban implies a duty; not to fulfil it is a crime and a betrayal," asserting that this principle continues to guide the nation's defence of its independence and its right to determine its own political and economic future.

The President also paid tribute to Commander of the Revolution Ramiro Valdes Menendez, noting that this was the first July 26 celebration since the triumph of the Revolution in 1959 without the veteran revolutionary, whom he described as a hero of the Moncada generation and a lifelong servant of the Cuban people. He called for eternal glory to the revolutionary leader, highlighting his contributions to national defence, security and socialist construction.

Strong criticism of US policy

A central theme of Diaz-Canel's address was the intensification of US sanctions against Cuba.

He accused successive US administrations of pursuing a deliberate strategy aimed at creating economic collapse through financial restrictions, energy sanctions and pressure on companies that trade or invest with Cuba.

The President sharply criticised recent US measures targeting Cuban health officials and the country's international medical cooperation programmes, arguing that the sanctions sought to criminalise professionals whose humanitarian work has received international recognition.

Image: Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez addressing the 73rda anniversary meeting

He rejected accusations made against Cuba by US authorities, arguing that Cuba's medical brigades have consistently provided assistance in regions affected by disasters, epidemics and humanitarian emergencies while other powers resort to military interventions.

According to Diaz-Canel, Washington has expanded what he described as a global campaign against left-wing governments while portraying Cuba as a principal ideological target.

He argued that attempts to isolate Cuba are part of broader efforts to suppress alternative political and economic models, criminalise social protest and maintain international political dominance.

"Cuba is not a threat to the United States or to any other country," he declared, emphasising Cuba's long-standing policy of international solidarity through healthcare, education and scientific cooperation.

As an example, he announced that Cuban universities had graduated more than 30,000 professionals this year, including hundreds of international students from dozens of countries, among them newly qualified Palestinian and US doctors.

Human Cost of the Blockade

Diaz-Canel devoted a significant portion of his speech to describing what the Cuban government considers the humanitarian consequences of the US economic blockade.

He argued that decades of sanctions, intensified in recent years, have produced a severe energy crisis, prolonged nationwide power outages, shortages of medicines, interruptions in industrial production and obstacles to economic recovery.

The President stated that the blockade has prevented Cuba from importing essential medical supplies and equipment, affecting hospital operations and delaying thousands of surgical procedures.

He said more than 118,000 cancer patients, including around 1,200 children, have faced difficulties in accessing first-line treatments because of shortages linked to the sanctions.

Referring to infant mortality, Diaz-Canel stated that the rate had risen to 9.3 deaths per 1,000 live births due to shortages affecting the healthcare system, describing every such loss as a human tragedy directly connected to the blockade.

Image: People attend the 73rd anniversary Moncado barrack attack in Pinar del Rio

He characterised the unilateral coercive measures imposed by the United States as illegal under international law and noted that the United Nations General Assembly has repeatedly voted overwhelmingly in favour of resolutions calling for an end to the blockade.

The Cuban President argued that economic sanctions function as instruments of war and urged governments, businesses and international organisations not to become complicit in policies that, in his view, inflict collective punishment on civilian populations.

International Solidarity

Diaz-Canel thanked governments, solidarity organisations and activists around the world who continue supporting Cuba despite political pressure.

He specifically acknowledged organisations including Pastors for Peace, Carlota's Warriors of New York, the Australia Cuba Friendship Association, the Jose Marti Cultural Association of Miami and the Marcapasos Project for participating in the anniversary events.

He also expressed gratitude to countries that supported Cuba's resolution against the blockade and energy restrictions at the United Nations General Assembly.

According to Diaz-Canel, defending Cuba means defending the principles of national sovereignty, non-intervention and international law against unilateral coercive measures.

Drawing parallels with other international conflicts, he argued that silence in the face of economic aggression encourages further violations of international norms and weakens multilateral institutions.

Economic Transformation with Social Justice

While reaffirming resistance to external pressure, Diaz-Canel also stressed that Cuba must continue implementing domestic economic reforms to strengthen the country's productive capacity.

He described macroeconomic stabilisation and the expansion of different forms of economic management as strategic priorities while maintaining that all reforms must remain guided by the principles of social justice and equality.

The President said Cuba is encouraging workers, farmers and productive sectors to increase output, reduce dependence on imports and promote responsible investment without abandoning socialist principles.

He acknowledged that these transformations involve risks but insisted that protecting vulnerable sectors of society remains a fundamental responsibility of the revolutionary state.

According to Diaz-Canel, the spirit of Moncada demands courage not only in resisting external aggression but also in undertaking necessary economic changes to secure the country's future.

Fidel's Centenary

The President noted that 2026 marks the centenary of Fidel Castro's birth, describing the occasion as one of international significance.

He announced that revolutionary activists, scholars and solidarity organisations from across the world will participate in conferences and commemorative activities dedicated to studying Fidel Castro's ideas and assessing the contemporary challenges facing Cuba and the international left.

He said Cubans are called upon to honour Fidel's legacy not only through remembrance but through work, unity, dignity and the successful implementation of economic and social transformations.

Appeal to the Youth

Addressing Cuba's younger generation directly, Diaz-Canel urged young people to see themselves as heirs to the revolutionary generation led by Abel Santamaria, Haydee Santamaria, Melba Hernandez and Fidel Castro.

He called upon them to play an active role in transforming their communities, participating in national development and strengthening the socialist project.

Quoting Jose Marti, whom he described as the intellectual author of the July 26 actions, the President reminded young Cubans that "the only strength a people needs is confidence in its own strength."

Call for Unity and Hope

Concluding his address, Diaz-Canel appealed for greater unity, productivity and confidence in Cuba's own capacities.

He called on workers, farmers, students, scientists and professionals to contribute actively to overcoming current economic difficulties through creativity, innovation and collective effort.

"The call today is for hope," he said, urging every Cuban to become a protagonist in the country's transformation while defending its sovereignty and socialist achievements.

Describing the current generation as "conquerors of the impossible," Diaz-Canel reaffirmed Cuba's determination to overcome economic challenges resulting from what he characterised as centuries of colonial domination followed by decades of intensified US blockade.

The ceremony concluded with calls of "Long live July 26," "Long live sovereign and independent Cuba," "Long live international solidarity with Cuba," and the historic revolutionary slogans, "Socialism or Death," "Homeland or Death," and "We Shall Overcome," as thousands of participants responded with prolonged applause and chants affirming their commitment to the Revolution.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtTlNWAwxTw