Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla said that the expansion of U.S. sanctions against the island nation is aimed at putting pressure on the entire Cuban population.

According to him, Washington’s actions indicate a desire to provoke a humanitarian crisis and increase economic pressure on the country. The minister also criticized the restrictions against Cuban medical cooperation, calling them a blow to humanitarian activity.

On July 23, the United States expanded its sanctions lists on Cuba, adding nine companies and two individuals. Washington said the measures were due to accusations of sanctions evasion, activities in the energy sector, and the exploitation of Cuban medical workers.