Book fair amid US sanctions cancelled in Cuba

The Havana International Book Fair, where Russia was scheduled to be the guest of honor, has been postponed indefinitely. The event was canceled due to a fuel crisis caused by U.S. sanctions.

The fair is among Cuba’s most significant literary events. It was scheduled for February 12–22, 2026, but according to the organizer, it has been indefinitely postponed due to the “emergency situation” in the country.

“The 34th Havana International Book Fair is postponed due to the emergency situation because of the blockade imposed by the United States government against Cuba, and its new escalation of aggression to stifle our people economically and destroy the revolution,” a representative of the fair said.

According to PublishNews Spain, the event was postponed due to the ongoing fuel crisis in Cuba, which the country’s authorities blame on oil sanctions imposed by the U.S. government.

In addition, according to information from the Embassy of Russia in Cuba, Russia was to be this year’s guest of honor at the fair, which was to feature the participation of writers, publishers, academic events, and artistic presentations.

The last time the fair was not held was in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the event was postponed for several months; instead of February, it took place in April.

The oil crisis in Cuba was caused by the U.S. decision to stop supplying oil from Venezuela in January 2026, after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The Trump administration announced tariffs against any fuel suppliers to the island. This deprived Cuba of a key source of energy and regional support.

Currently, anti-crisis measures have been introduced in the country. Fuel rationing has been increased, public sector working hours have been cut, public transportation has been altered, and universities have moved to a hybrid education format.

In turn, the Russian Embassy noted that Russian–Cuban relations remain highly dynamic, with reports highlighting the ongoing intensive political dialogue. Russian representatives also condemned “economic and military pressure on brotherly Cuba, with which Russia has a strategic partnership,” and promised to provide “friends with essential political and material aid.”

As reported, Russian authors will participate in the Leipzig Book Fair on March 19–22, 2026.

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Main image: CiberCuba

Copy editing: Joy Tataryn