Cuba's Socialist Model Faces Transformation as Reforms Resemble New NEP

Cuba is entering a phase of radical transformation of its economic model amid increasing external pressure, according to Russian historian, politician, Secretary of the United Communist Party (OKP), and chair of the New Labor trade union, Darya Mitina. In comments to Pravda.Ru, she said Havana has effectively launched an economic policy comparable to the Soviet-era New Economic Policy (NEP) in an effort to preserve its socialist system under conditions of prolonged isolation. Earlier reports claimed that the United States had set the objective of achieving political change in Havana by the end of 2026. Against the backdrop of Cuba's deepest economic crisis in three decades, Washington continues to tighten its trade embargo and financial restrictions. According to foreign media reports cited in the original article, the Pentagon has spent several months concentrating forces that could be used in the event of military intervention. In response, Cuban authorities have called for an extraordinary session of the United Nations General Assembly to draw international attention to what they describe as the island's long-standing economic blockade. Negotiations Continue Alongside Economic Reforms According to Mitina, the United States has not yet settled on a final strategy toward Cuba, with scenarios ranging from direct military intervention to attempts to influence the country's political leadership through informal contacts. She noted that Havana maintains that any meaningful progress in bilateral dialogue is only possible after sanctions begin to be lifted, while the Pentagon continues to examine military contingency plans.