Argentina joined 187 countries at the United Nations General Assembly in supporting a resolution calling for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba.

The vote stood in stark contrast to the only opposing votes from the United States and Israel—Argentina’s key allies since Javier Milei took office—and one abstention from Moldova. 

Though non-binding, the resolution highlights the “inhuman” impact of the sanctions on Cuba’s economy and calls for respect for the island’s sovereignty and its right to independent economic development. 

The U.S. embargo has severely restricted Cuba’s access to food, medicine, and energy, affecting millions of Cubans’ daily lives. In response to Argentina’s stance at the UN, Javier Milei decided to remove Diana Mondino from her post as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Mondino had voted against the U.S. and Israel during the session, prompting Milei to appoint Gerardo Werthein, previously Argentina’s ambassador to Washington, as her replacement.

What happened at the UN?

With 187 votes in favor, 2 against, and 1 abstention, the resolution reiterated the need to end the six-decade-long U.S. economic, trade, and financial embargo. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla called the sanctions “inhuman measures” and “an extreme economic war,” accusing them of intimidating nations that defend their sovereignty. 

During the session, Iran’s UN representative, Amir Saeid Iravani, criticized U.S. policy, saying the embargo “threatens multilateralism” and is used to pursue narrow national objectives. International support for Cuba mirrored the 2023 vote, though Ukraine did not participate this time.

The UN backed the resolution with a detailed report compiling objections from more than 180 countries and 35 institutions, including the WHO, UNICEF, and the World Food Program. 

The embargo dates back to 1959 and was formalized in 1962 under John F. Kennedy. It was strengthened with the Helms-Burton Act in 1996 and 240 additional measures under Donald Trump’s administration.

The Biden administration has made only minimal changes. According to official Cuban figures, the embargo’s economic impact last year totaled around $5.056 billion, severely affecting citizens’ lives, essential services, and national infrastructure. 

The UN vote and Javier Milei’s decision to reshuffle his cabinet underscore how international policies can directly influence domestic politics in Argentina, sparking debates over alliances, sovereignty, and humanitarian responsibility.