John F. Kennedy's criticism:
- Poor Communication: Kennedy criticized the Soviet Union for its lack of communication and transparency during the crisis. He argued that if there had been better channels of communication, the situation might not have escalated to the point of a nuclear confrontation.
- Risky Behavior: Kennedy also expressed concerns about the risky and aggressive behavior of the Soviet Union in placing nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from the United States. He believed that this action was reckless and could have triggered a nuclear war.
- Violation of Agreements: Kennedy criticized Khrushchev and the Soviet government for violating their previous agreement not to place offensive weapons in Cuba. This agreement had been reached during the earlier talks between Kennedy and Khrushchev.
Nikita Khrushchev's criticism:
- US's Military Actions: Khrushchev criticized the aggressive actions taken by the United States, including the blockade of Cuba and the threats of military intervention. He argued that the US's actions unnecessarily escalated the situation.
- Secrecy and Deception: Khrushchev also criticized the United States for its secrecy and deception during the crisis. He accused the US of secretly installing nuclear missiles in Turkey, which the Soviet Union viewed as a provocative move.
- Double Standard: Khrushchev criticized the United States for adopting a double standard in the crisis. He argued that the US was concerned about the presence of Soviet missiles in Cuba, but it had its own nuclear weapons stationed in other countries around the world.
Both Kennedy and Khrushchev's criticisms contributed to their reflection on the dangerous nature of the Cuban missile crisis and the need for improved communication and diplomatic channels to avoid such situations in the future.