Cuba - National Blackout and Energy Crisis - March 2026

[imstilla.grandma]

Cuba and Russia exchanged best practices, helped each other, restored beloved old traditions such as the Soviet-era barter agreements and prevented Washington’s blockade from leading to regime change. Over the years, Putin’s Russia became Cuba’s greatest lifeline, offering and sending critical aid whenever Havana requested food, fuel, basic goods and medical supplies and equipment, against the backdrop of recurring financial support and joint sanctions-evasion schemes.

From Putin’s notable decision to wipe 90% of Cuba’s debt to Russia back in 2014 to the mammoth humanitarian effort during the Covid-19 pandemic, in which the Kremlin sent more than 250 tonnes of food and medical equipment to the island, Cuba has gained a lot from the partnership with its old friend.

Similarly, Russia has gotten exclusive deals to invest in Cuba’s historically closed economy. Its energy and mining companies gained privileged access to some of the world’s largest nickel and cobalt reserves. The Cubans mined, the Russians sold. Together, they made the blockade less suffocating, eyeing $1 billion in Russian investments in the country’s development by 2030

Here's Why Cuba Remains Russia’s Foothold on Washington’s Doorstep - The Moscow Times

Opinion | Russia's quest for a post-American world is being stress-tested in the Western Hemisphere more than anywhere else.

www.themoscowtimes.com

 

[Cedars]

I would say that we should leave these decisions to the Cuban people. But what we have seen is that Cuba cannot continue without massive outside subsidies. correct? The nations that do so in the past are now not willing to do so. Why? It matters little to the Cuban people. Who will turn the power back on? It isn't the communist party, it isn't Russian, it isn't the PRC, it isn't canada. It isn't like these folks couldn't have power tomorrow. They could.

I agree these arguments about food are irrelevant.

The problem is, the US president has, by fiat, ordered that no one in any other country, can sell oil to Cuba.

Without fuel, food cannot be transported to shops, or refridgerated.

Just stop the sanctions on oil and Cuba can feed itself for now.

ETA: Aren't such sanctions completely illegal, by both US and International law?

JMO

 

[Professor Moriarty]

When Covid hit Europe, it hit Italy first. Covid was very much an unknown quantity at that stage. A lot of Italians died at that time. Cuba sent a plane load of doctors and nurses to Italy, to help out.

 

[PrairieWind]

I agree these arguments about food are irrelevant.

The problem is, the US president has, by fiat, ordered that no one in any other country, can sell oil to Cuba.

Without fuel, food cannot be transported to shops, or refridgerated.

Just stop the sanctions on oil and Cuba can feed itself for now.

ETA: Aren't such sanctions completely illegal, by both US and International law?

JMO

The US sanctions on Cuba go back two generations. And exactly what international law are you referring to? In case you haven't noticed, "international law" means nothing. For a long time the US and many western nations held up to the idea of international law. But that "law" became a joke, a means of fleecing some while most never abided. Now that the US has just said it isn't going to play along anymore, so many get upset. The Cubans should be allowed to make their own choices AND live by those choices.

 

[Cedars]

The Cubans should be allowed to make their own choices AND live by those choices.

Sure, and the Mexicans should be allowed to sell them oil.

ETA: I also do not believe this is a 'pro-democracy' effort. IMO it is 'America first'.

Venezuala is not turning into a democracy, it's just now the dictatorial government takes orders from the US President.

Greenland will not be taken in order to bring it democracy. Nor are economic pressure through tariffs in order to ensure more democracy in Canada or Mexico or any other country. It's to make all other countries subservient to the US.

JMO

 

[SilentHill]

The US sanctions on Cuba go back two generations. And exactly what international law are you referring to? In case you haven't noticed, "international law" means nothing. For a long time the US and many western nations held up to the idea of international law. But that "law" became a joke, a means of fleecing some while most never abided. Now that the US has just said it isn't going to play along anymore, so many get upset. The Cubans should be allowed to make their own choices AND live by those choices.

Why ask what law it refers to then instantly disregard it and say it's irrelevant anyway?

You may want the world to bow to every US need and desire but that's never going to happen. And of course the Cubans should be allowed to make their own choices which is exactly why the US should stop the embargo.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Is it a praiseworthy humanitarian effort or an affront to human rights?

That's the debate swirling around a Cuban program that sends tens of thousands of doctors and other medical professionals abroad to care for people.

Cuba proudly says these "medical brigades" show solidarity with their fellow countries in the Global South. But the program is not solely altruistic. It's also one of the largest sources of foreign money for the island as the countries receiving the small army of health workers pay Cuba for them.

The U.S. State Department has long been critical of this system, alleging that the participants are coerced and underpaid by the government. In a statement to NPR, the State Department calls it "forced labor" and "human trafficking."

Now, the Trump administration is ratcheting up the pressure on countries to pull out of these arrangements with Cuba. A number in Latin America and the Caribbean are falling into line. Among the nations yielding to this pressure are Guatemala, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Paraguay and Honduras. They're phasing out the programs, reevaluating the payment model and sometimes canceling altogether.

https://www.npr.org/2026/03/24/nx-s1-5746626/cuba-doctors-mission-blockade

 

[Lyanna]

Emerging from latest blackout, Cuba says ready for any potential US attack

Trump, who cut off oil supplies to Cuba after abducting Venezuela's Maduro, has threatened to take over the nation.

www.aljazeera.com

 

[Lyanna]

Aid flotilla vessel arrives in Cuba amid US-driven energy crisis

Activists say that aid delivery is small 'gesture of solidarity' meant to draw attention to US energy blockade.

www.aljazeera.com

 

[Lyanna]

US attacks on Cuban medical missions risk damaging healthcare for poor people in developing countries

The US is determined to starve Cuba of the revenues it raises from exporting healthcare workers.

theconversation.com

 

[tricia]

Locking thread for clean up.