Solidarity with Venezuela

June 28 — Workers World expresses our most heartfelt solidarity with the people and government of Venezuela who were hit by two devastating earthquakes on June 24, followed by over 300 aftershocks. As of this writing, the death toll stands at over 1,430, with thousands of people injured and/or made homeless and tens of thousands still missing. Some 250 buildings have been damaged or destroyed.

We extend our deepest condolences to the thousands of people who lost their loved ones.

Cuban healthcare workers attending to victims of the earthquakes in Venezuela, June 26, 2026. Photo: Brigada Médica Cubana en Venezuela)

We reject any attempt by U.S. imperialism to blame the Venezuelan government for the tragedy or the response to it. On the contrary, Venezuela is dealing with the earthquakes under very difficult circumstances imposed by the U.S. government, including the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and First Combatant Cilia Flores, ongoing deadly bombings of boats and the continuing sanctions intended to strangle the country’s economy.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has reported that two dozen countries have sent volunteers and material aid. We especially salute Cuba that, despite the dire conditions of a tightened U.S. blockade, has healthcare workers in Venezuela attending to the needs of the people. 

Cuba’s First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and President of the Republic Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez said: “A hug to our compatriots and to all of Venezuela in this difficult time. We are with you.” Rodríguez thanked Diaz-Canel “for his words of solidarity and for always standing with Venezuela in such difficult times.” (Granma, June 26)

Workers World opposes any effort by the U.S. imperialists to use offers of “humanitarian” aid as a pretext for additional military intervention. We demand the U.S. immediately and unconditionally lift the sanctions on Venezuela, drop all charges against Maduro and Flores and return them to their country, end the military aggression against Venezuela and unfreeze the billions of dollars in sanctioned Venezuelan assets.

Workers World also reiterates its demand that the U.S. stop its decades-old blockade of Cuba, including the latest siege of the island country that prevents the delivery of petroleum.

U.S. hands off Venezuela!