Cuban Exiles Support Pressure from U.S. but Warn 'The Population Must Not Suffer': Report

Cuban exile leaders are backing increased pressure by the United States on Cuba's government while warning that any strategy must avoid worsening conditions for civilians and should not replicate the model applied to Venezuela, according to a report by Euronews.

The renewed debate follows Washington's tougher measures on Cuba after the capture of Venezuela's president and moves to restrict oil flows to the island, including potential tariffs on countries that offer aid.

While President Trump has said the U.S. is "starting to talk with Cuba" and has argued that energy pressure could bring Havana to negotiate, saying "it doesn't have to be a humanitarian crisis" , exile figures told Euronews that pressure should be targeted and paired with human rights goals.

Carlos Payá of the Christian Liberation Movement told the outlet that Cubans abroad are "calling for isolation of the regime, but for the population not to suffer." He warned that authorities in Havana could block relief, adding the government "can say, 'then I won't let humanitarian aid arrive either.'"

Payá also argued the crisis should be resolved internally, saying the Cuba issue must be "desamericanized," and that solutions "must come in a peaceful way." He called amnesty for political prisoners a priority, saying that "the main thing for the Cuban people is amnesty for those who are unjustly imprisoned."

More hardline exile voices also supported stronger measures but rejected a Venezuela-style transition framework. Orlando Gutiérrez Boronat of the Cuban Democratic Directorate said that "the model being used in Venezuela is not applicable to Cuba," adding that "a transition in which the same people remain in power is not acceptable." He called for the release of political prisoners, legalization of parties and unions, and a timetable for free elections.

The United Nations secretary-general warned earlier this month that Cuba could "collapse" if oil blockades continue, adding that he is "extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation" and urging dialogue.

Meanwhile, Cuban-American lawmakers in the U.S. have urged expanded measures. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) called on "zero tolerance and total pressure" in comments made to The New York Post on Monday while Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) said he had "never seen the regime as weak as it is right now."