According to the Cuban Embassy in the United States, among those to be released will be foreign nationals, young people, women, and individuals over 60 years old. "The right to release was based on a careful analysis of the offenses, along with their good behavior in prison, the fact that they have served a significant portion of their sentences, and their health condition," the embassy's statement adds. Since returning to the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump has made clear his desire to change Cuba's leadership and imposed an oil blockade, which has caused severe fuel shortages and widespread power outages across the country. Last week, a Russian tanker carrying an estimated 730,000 barrels of crude oil became the first shipment of crude oil to arrive at one of Cuba's ports since the beginning of January. Cuba holds hundreds of political prisoners behind bars, according to Human Rights Watch, and government critics are reportedly subjected to harassment and criminal prosecution. This is the second time this year that Cuba has announced the release of prisoners. In March, 51 prisoners were freed following talks with the Vatican. In 2025, Cuba released 553 people under an agreement reached by the Vatican and the United States.