Cuba's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, sidestepped a direct response on whether the Cuban regime fears that the U.S. arrest warrant for Raúl Castro could lead to a scenario similar to what transpired in Venezuela after Nicolás Maduro's capture by U.S. forces in January 2026.
The question was posed by Andrea Rodríguez, an Associated Press (AP) correspondent, during a press conference in Havana, just before the annual United Nations vote on the U.S. embargo.
The journalist linked the recent judicial actions against the former Cuban leader to the Venezuelan precedent, asking: "Is Cuba in any way concerned that this might set a precedent similar to what happened in Venezuela?"
This query touched on a particularly sensitive issue for Havana's authorities: the extent to which judicial actions and increasing pressure from Washington could pose a threat to Cuba's leadership, following the U.S. military operation that resulted in Maduro's capture.
Rodríguez Parrilla did not address this possibility. Instead of referencing the Venezuelan case, he defended Raúl Castro and dismissed the U.S. judicial order.
"The arrest warrant against the leader of the Cuban Revolution, General of the Army Raúl Castro Ruz, an internationally recognized historical figure, is an infamous and futile act," he declared.
He further stated that the measure "lacks any legal value, ethical value," and, as previously asserted by Miguel Díaz-Canel, also "has no practical value."
The foreign minister did not clarify whether Cuban authorities consider a U.S. escalation likely or how they view the differences between Cuba's current situation and the events leading to the Venezuelan leader's capture.
A Legal Move Rooted in Past Air Attack
Rodríguez Parrilla's statements came after Florida's Attorney General, James Uthmeier, announced an arrest warrant against Raúl Castro related to the downing of two planes from the Brothers to the Rescue organization on February 24, 1996.
The attack, carried out by Cuban fighter jets over international waters, resulted in the deaths of four organization members: Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales.
This new legal action seeks to establish criminal responsibility for the operation, which remains one of the most severe episodes of violence by the Cuban regime against citizens and residents linked to the exile.
The state order adds to previous federal actions announced by U.S. authorities against Castro and other former Cuban military leaders.
While its execution depends on jurisdictional circumstances and international cooperation, the measure introduces another judicial pathway against the former leader, who remains a central figure in Cuba's political system despite formally stepping down from key positions.
Havana has rejected these actions, portraying them as part of a politically hostile campaign promoted by the United States.
Venezuela: A Precedent Not Addressed
The reference to Venezuela introduces a dimension beyond the judicial proceedings against Raúl Castro.
On January 3, 2026, a U.S. military operation resulted in Nicolás Maduro's capture and his transfer to the United States to face criminal charges. This event disrupted the Venezuelan political landscape and highlighted Washington's willingness to use military means against a foreign leader.
However, Raúl Castro's legal situation and Maduro's are not equivalent, nor does a state arrest warrant alone indicate that the United States is preparing a similar operation against Cuba.
The AP's inquiry specifically pointed to the potential political and strategic consequences of that precedent for a regime closely tied to Chavismo and facing mounting U.S. pressure.
Rodríguez Parrilla did not offer an assessment of that risk. Instead, he asserted that Washington's policy towards Cuba will ultimately change, either under the current administration or future ones.
"I am convinced that the U.S. government's policy against Cuba will have to change. It will have to change either with this government, the next, or the one after," he stated.
The minister attributed the endurance of Cuba's political system to the resilience of its people and what he described as the "effective management of the government, the party," along with economic model reforms.
He also warned that new sanctions and actions against Cuba could occur in the coming weeks.
The response left the central question posed by the AP correspondent unresolved: whether Havana considers the Venezuelan precedent a real threat to its leaders or dismisses the possibility that Washington might apply a similar strategy to Cuba.
Understanding the Implications of the Arrest Warrant for Raúl Castro
What is the reason behind the U.S. arrest warrant for Raúl Castro?
The U.S. arrest warrant for Raúl Castro is related to the downing of two planes from the Brothers to the Rescue organization in 1996, which resulted in the deaths of four members. This action seeks to establish criminal responsibility for the incident.
How does the arrest warrant for Raúl Castro compare to the situation with Nicolás Maduro?
While both cases involve U.S. actions against foreign leaders, Raúl Castro's legal situation and Nicolás Maduro's are not equivalent. The arrest warrant for Castro is a legal measure, whereas Maduro was captured through a military operation.
What is Cuba's official stance on the U.S. arrest warrant?
Cuba has rejected the U.S. arrest warrant for Raúl Castro, viewing it as an infamous and futile act. Cuban authorities see it as part of a politically hostile campaign by the United States.