The United States has cut off oil shipments to Cuba by controlling Venezuela's exports after capturing Nicolás Maduro, according to multiple reports. This blockade has prevented Cuba from receiving oil shipments in the past three months, leading to major blackouts and energy shortages affecting millions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has demanded President Miguel Díaz-Canel's resignation and economic changes in Cuba, viewing the crisis as a chance for political transformation. According to Sveriges Radio Nyheter, Havana resident Maria Elena described a sentiment of desperation, suggesting Rubio could become president and fix everything.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading the Trump administration's strategy targeting Cuba, with the goal of a 'global cleanup' of socialist regimes in the Western Hemisphere, according to two insiders. The U.S. is using an oil squeeze to strangle Cuba's communist leadership without military intervention, multiple reports indicate. Rubio believes new leadership is needed in Cuba to fix the economy, a position he has publicly stated. This approach reflects a broader effort to pressure socialist governments across the region through economic and diplomatic means.
For my part, Marco Rubio can become president here and fix everything.
The U.S. oil blockade has taken its toll on Cuba, according to research. Nicolás Maduro was captured at his residence in the Venezuelan capital Caracas in January, robbing the Cuban regime of one of its closest allies and most important oil suppliers. It was at President Donald Trump's behest that Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez completely halted oil shipments to Cuba — which had already dwindled — in January, research indicates. The U.S. has also blocked sea routes to Cuba and threatened countries supplying Cuba with oil with sanctions, further tightening the energy noose.
Blackouts have led to garbage piling up, health crises, and use of firewood for cooking, multiple reports show. Cuba has converted bakeries to run on firewood or coal and installed solar panels in an attempt to adapt, according to widespread accounts. In the past two years, Cuba has experienced four nationwide blackouts, research suggests, and since February 2024, a total of 10 widespread power outages have shaken the economy and nationwide morale. The energy shortage is just one — albeit significant — aspect of Cuba's economic crisis, creating daily hardships for the population.
Cuba is 'in its last moments of life' and he will 'take care of Cuba'.
Cuba is experiencing its worst economic crisis in three decades, research indicates. Domestic oil production in Cuba, which has been declining for years, covered less than 30% of demand in 2024, according to studies. While Cuba produces 40% of its petroleum, multiple reports confirm, this domestic supply has proven insufficient to meet needs amid the import blockade. The combination of declining domestic production and severed international supply chains has created a perfect storm for Cuba's energy sector.
Cuban representatives have held talks with the U.S. to resolve bilateral problems through dialogue, President Miguel Díaz-Canel has confirmed. However, President Díaz-Canel refuses to resign under U.S. pressure, maintaining his position despite the mounting crisis. The Cuban government has been forced into opening talks with the United States, according to research, suggesting the negotiations represent a response to economic pressure rather than voluntary diplomacy.
Cuba wants a deal and Rubio is leading negotiations.
The specific terms or conditions being discussed in the U.S.-Cuba talks remain unclear, as does whether prisoner releases are directly linked to U.S. pressure or negotiations. Cuba has announced the release of prisoners, possibly as a goodwill gesture, according to multiple reports. These developments suggest some diplomatic movement, though the substance and outcomes of any negotiations remain uncertain.
Russia supports Cuba and will not abandon it, sending oil shipments, Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov has stated. A Russian tanker, Anatoly Kolodkin, delivered oil to Cuba in March, multiple reports confirm. The U.S. allowed the Russian oil tanker to proceed as a humanitarian move, according to widespread accounts. This Russian support represents a potential lifeline for Cuba's energy-starved economy.
He could do 'anything' he wanted with the island state in the Caribbean.
The extent to which Russian oil shipments will alleviate Cuba's energy crisis remains uncertain, given conflicting reports on their impact. Similarly, how effective Cuba's adaptations, such as using firewood or solar panels, are in mitigating the energy shortages is not fully clear. These unknowns leave questions about whether external support and internal adjustments can meaningfully address the crisis.
The U.S. is pressuring Latin American countries to cancel deals with Cuba for medical brigades, according to Cuba's foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez. Cuba's medical missions generate billions in earnings, with accusations of forced labor, multiple reports indicate. Meanwhile, Cuba is allowing exiles to invest in businesses on the island, according to reports, potentially opening new economic channels amid the crisis.
It may be an attempt to break free, given that things aren't going as he wanted in Iran. He needs to show that he is a strong president. On the other hand, he must also avoid waging another war.
The U.S. is preparing a potential strike to topple Cuba's leadership, possibly within days, according to insiders. Cuba's leadership is afraid of a fate similar to Iran's Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike, according to two sources. Trump's threats have heightened speculation that top leaders in Cuba could face the same fate as former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, research suggests. President Donald Trump has stated that Cuba is 'in its last moments of life' and he will 'take care of Cuba,' adding to the tension.
How imminent the potential U.S. military strike against Cuba might be, and what evidence supports claims of its preparation, remains unclear. This uncertainty creates a volatile environment where diplomatic negotiations occur alongside threats of military action. According to www.dw.com, foreign policy expert Klemens Fischer described Trump's approach as potentially an attempt to show strength after setbacks in Iran, while needing to avoid waging another war.
Rubio's political opportunity faces internal challenges, as the State Department is reportedly 'full of Cuban spies,' affecting his operations, according to Mike Gonzalez of the Heritage Foundation. President Donald Trump has claimed that 'Cuba wants a deal and Rubio is leading negotiations,' suggesting some coordination between the administration's public statements and diplomatic efforts. Trump has also asserted he could do 'anything' he wanted with the island state in the Caribbean, reflecting the administration's assertive posture.
The combination of energy blockade, economic pressure, and military threats appears designed to force Cuba into negotiations on U.S. terms. Whether this strategy will lead to leadership change, economic reform, or further escalation remains uncertain. The crisis represents a critical test for both Cuba's socialist system and the Trump administration's approach to regional adversaries.