The United States is maintaining pressure on Cuba despite UN criticism of the humanitarian consequences.

The White House defended its sanctions policy against Cuba, despite criticism from the United Nations regarding their impact on the population. This stance comes as the island grapples with a persistent energy crisis marked by power outages and severe supply difficulties.

Washington recently imposed new sanctions targeting Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other government officials. US authorities say these measures are intended to put pressure on Cuban leaders and promote respect for fundamental rights.

For its part, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern about the consequences of these restrictions. According to the UN, the "severe effects" of the sanctions on the population raise questions about their compatibility with fundamental principles of international human rights law.

Cuban authorities maintain that the country's economic and energy difficulties are exacerbated by the US blockade. Following a recent major power outage that left much of the island without electricity for several hours, the government once again accused Washington of hindering its fuel supply.

According to Cuba's top diplomat to the United Nations, US restrictions are also complicating the work of some international agencies operating in the country. He asserts that the sanctions are affecting not only the Cuban economy but also humanitarian efforts aimed at supporting the population.

The White House, however, rejects these criticisms and continues to defend its strategy. US officials maintain that the sanctions are a legitimate tool for exerting pressure on the Cuban government and assert that the responsibility for the economic situation lies primarily with the island's authorities.

This latest exchange of criticism illustrates the persistent tensions between Washington and Havana. As Cuba faces a deep economic and energy crisis, the debate over the effectiveness and humanitarian consequences of US sanctions continues to divide the international community.