"Cubans have rejected recent statements by the president of the United States, Donald Trump, who on Monday said he would have "the honour of taking" the country and "do whatever he wants with Cuba," as the island faces a severe energy crisis following the oil embargo imposed by Washington at the end of January. Footage shows Havana residents going about their day-to-day lives, many using bicycle taxis as roads remain quiet due to the chronic fuel shortages. "Everything is mainly caused by that blockade that suffocates us (...) The president of the United States threatens, but Cubans are very clear that if they dare to carry out those threats, the same thing will happen to them as in Playa Giron," said a woman in Havana, recalling the defeat suffered by a group of mercenaries financed by the CIA who attempted to overthrow the government of Fidel Castro in 1961. "That man has the world stirred up with his problems and his warlike policy," said another resident, who defended the importance of both nations holding talks. During a press conference at the International Press Centre on Wednesday, Abel Prieto, president of Casa de las Americas, said that his country "chose its path and will defend it." "All these threats have done is strengthen people's patriotism, strengthen anti-imperialism, anti-fascism, a moment of enormous danger for Cuba and for the world," Prieto said, reiterating the words President Miguel Diaz-Canel had said the day before, “in the worst scenario, the invader will find an impregnable resistance in this country." Following Trump's statements, President Diaz-Canel had accused the government in Washington of seeking "to take over the country, its resources, its properties and even the economy itself.” Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis that has intensified following the oil blockade, which cut fuel imports and has affected industries, businesses and tourism. Hospitals are also facing emergencies without backup power, and some essential services are at risk, according to United Nations alerts."