US Demands Venezuela Distance Itself From Cuba Amidst Oil Deal Talks

Relations between Venezuela and Cuba face difficulties following US Energy Secretary's visit to Caracas.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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According to reports, the U.S. has asked Venezuela to sever ties with Cuba during recent oil deal negotiations. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited Caracas and reportedly requested that Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodríguez distance the country from Havana, citing concerns about the Cuban regime's potential collapse. In response, Venezuela has stopped sending humanitarian aid to Cuba and will discontinue contracts for over 11,000 Cuban doctors working in the country.

Why it matters

The shift in Venezuela's posture toward Cuba represents a significant realignment of power dynamics in the region, potentially signaling a willingness to prioritize economic and political benefits from the U.S. over longstanding ideological alliances. This move could have broader implications for regional stability and international relations.

The details

During the visit overseen by U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Laura Dogu, Energy Secretary Wright addressed energy issues and the White House issued two licenses to allow oil companies to operate in Venezuela. However, Wright also reportedly requested that Rodríguez sever ties with Havana, based on the assessment that the Cuban regime is nearing collapse. In response, Venezuela has ceased sending humanitarian aid to Cuba and will discontinue contracts for over 11,000 Cuban doctors working within the country, a move mirrored by Guatemala.

  • On February 16, 2026, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited Caracas.
  • Following the visit, Venezuela stopped sending humanitarian aid to Cuba and will discontinue contracts for over 11,000 Cuban doctors working in the country.

The players

Chris Wright

The U.S. Energy Secretary who visited Caracas and requested that Venezuela distance itself from Cuba.

Delcy Rodríguez

The Venezuelan Interim President who met with Chris Wright and reportedly assured him that Venezuela could contribute to a transition in Cuba and pledged to urge Havana to consider releasing political prisoners.

Laura Dogu

The U.S. Chargé d'Affaires who oversaw the visit by Energy Secretary Chris Wright to Caracas.

Diosdado Cabello

The Venezuelan Minister who has privately expressed concerns about Cuban influence within Chavista circles.

Serguéi Mélik-Bagdasarov

The Russian ambassador to Caracas who spoke of betrayals within Chavismo and the death of 32 Cuban military personnel during a U.S. Military incursion to apprehend Nicolás Maduro.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.