Cuba Crisis
2026-03-04.
[Briefing]
Cuba is experiencing a severe multifaceted crisis combining economic collapse, infrastructure failure, and heightened geopolitical tensions. The island nation faces acute energy shortages causing widespread blackouts and forcing international carriers like Air France to suspend operations, while infrastructure vulnerabilities are reportedly attracting foreign intelligence activities. Tensions with the United States are escalating following a deadly speedboat incident in Miami that has resulted in terrorism charges against six Cuban exiles, coinciding with Trump administration suggestions of a potential "friendly takeover" of Cuba. The situation is rapidly deteriorating across economic, security, and diplomatic dimensions with no clear stabilization mechanisms in place.
[Key figures]
Verified Mar 4, 10:31 PMExiles Charged with Terrorism
6
Armed Men in Speedboat Incident
10
[Situation map]
[Articles]
Tensions with Washington: Jamaica ends doctor program with Cuba after US pressure
Jamaica has ended its medical program with Cuba due to pressure from the US, which has criticized Cuba's overseas medical missions as 'forced labor'. Cuba has earned billions from these programs in recent years. The move reflects escalating tensions between Washington and Havana.
Darkness from East to West: Millions of People in Cuba Without Power
Millions of people in Cuba are without power due to frequent power outages, a situation that has worsened since the latest US sanctions. Repairs are expected to take time. This is a common issue for Cubans, but the current situation has become more severe.
Massive Power Outage Hits Cuba Amid Energy Crisis
A massive power outage has hit Cuba, exacerbating the country's acute energy crisis. The crisis is further complicated by pressure from Washington, which has imposed sanctions on the island nation. This new interruption on the national grid comes at a particularly tense time for Cuba, which is struggling to meet its energy needs.
Cuba's Infrastructure Crisis and Foreign Intelligence Networks
Cuba's infrastructure crisis, particularly its energy crisis, has created a national security vulnerability, allowing China and Russia to expand their intelligence-collection capabilities on the island. The crisis has been exacerbated by the US seizure of Venezuelan oil operations and Mexico's subsequent halt of oil shipments to Cuba, leaving the island without a stable oil supply. Chinese and Russian technicians are installing telecommunications equipment and maintaining radar stations, posing
Trump suggests US could carry out ‘friendly takeover’ of Cuba
US President Donald Trump has suggested a 'friendly takeover' of Cuba amid rising tensions between the two countries, following the capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro. Trump stated that the Cuban government is 'talking with us' and is in a significant amount of trouble. This comes as tensions between the US and Cuba have reached a new high, with the US potentially considering regime change in Cuba.
‘Adventurism has had its day’: speedboat shootout leaves Miami’s exiled Cubans bewildered
A recent speedboat shootout in Miami has left the exiled Cuban community bewildered, with few clues as to how 10 heavily armed men came together and what they hoped to achieve. The incident has sparked concerns and discussions among the Cuban expat community in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood. The community has a long history of anti-Castro sentiment and has been involved in various activism efforts over the years. The incident is still being investigated, but it has already raised questions
Cuba charges six exiles with terrorism in wake of deadly speedboat attack
Cuban prosecutors have charged six exiles with terrorism after a US-flagged speedboat was involved in a deadly shootout with Cuba's coast guard. The detainees are accused of coming from the US with the intent to sow chaos and attack military units on the Communist-ruled island. The incident is part of a larger effort to destabilize the government in Havana.
US trade embargo against Cuba must be lifted — Medvedev
Russian official Medvedev has called for the US to lift its trade embargo against Cuba, as the rapprochement between the two countries has stalled since Donald Trump took office in 2017. The US-Cuba relationship has been complex, with periods of improved relations followed by increased tensions. The trade embargo has been in place for decades, restricting economic exchange between the two nations. Medvedev's statement highlights the ongoing challenges in US-Cuba relations.
US may soon attack Cuba, but with little chances of success — expert
The US may potentially attack Cuba, but experts believe the chances of success are low. Washington views Cuba as a zone of exclusive American interests, and Cuba's autonomy does not align with the US vision. This tension is fueled by the US desire to exert influence over the island nation.
Cuba showcases weapons seized from ‘armed infiltration’ (PHOTOS)
Cuba has publicly released photographs of weapons and equipment seized following a deadly armed confrontation in its territorial waters, framing the incident as an 'armed infiltration.' The display appears intended to substantiate Cuban government claims about the nature and origin of the incursion. The incident raises tensions around Cuba's security situation and potential external involvement.
Humanitarian pressures grow as Cuba continues to struggle with energy shortages
Cuba's humanitarian situation is deteriorating as fuel shortages intensify nearly a month after US measures blocked oil supplies from reaching the island. A senior UN official warned of worsening conditions, highlighting the broad civilian impact of the energy crisis driven by Washington's supply restrictions.
Cuba leaders' days 'are numbered', warns top Republican
A top Republican politician has issued a stark warning to Cuba's leadership, stating their days 'are numbered.' The statement comes in the wake of the killing of Iran's head of state, suggesting a broader posture of US aggression toward adversarial regimes.
What to Know About Cuba’s Shootout With Florida Speedboat
Cuba's Interior Ministry reported that four of ten passengers aboard a Florida-registered speedboat were killed in a gunfight with Cuban border guards in Cuban waters near Villa Clara province. Six others were wounded and detained, identified as armed Cuban nationals living in the U.S. who allegedly intended to infiltrate the island for 'terrorist purposes.' U.S. officials confirmed at least one American citizen was among the dead, escalating tensions between Washington and Havana amid existing
Trump suggests US could carry out ‘friendly takeover’ of Cuba
President Donald Trump has suggested the US could carry out a 'friendly takeover' of Cuba, stating that the Cuban government is 'in a big deal of trouble' and is in talks with Washington. The remarks come amid heightened US-Cuba tensions following the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. Trump made the comments as he departed the White House for a campaign event in Texas.
‘Adventurism has had its day’: speedboat shootout leaves Miami’s exiled Cubans bewildered
A group of 10 heavily armed men were intercepted on a stolen speedboat off Miami in what appears to be a failed operation linked to Cuban exile communities across Florida. Authorities have few clear answers about how the group assembled or what their objectives were. The incident has left Miami's large Cuban exile community bewildered, with many suggesting the era of armed adventurism against Cuba has passed. The episode recalls a long history of exile paramilitary activity dating back to the Ba
Under Pressure from Trump, Cuban Leader Calls for ‘Urgent’ Economic Change
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has called for urgent economic reforms, including greater private sector autonomy, as the island faces intensifying pressure from the Trump administration. A U.S. oil blockade has deepened an existing humanitarian crisis on the island, forcing the government to publicly acknowledge the need for structural economic change.