The United States has imposed new sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Díaz Canel and other government officials, as well as on companies key to the island's crumbling economy.
Bruno Rodriguez, a top Cuban official, has accused the U.S. of issuing constant threats and attempting to scuttle a UN debate. Rodriguez further stated that the sanctions are causing deaths in Cuba.
Diplomatic talks between Cuba and the U.S. remain at a standstill, according to Cuba's foreign minister. This stalemate persists despite the island recently approving a series of free-market reforms.