Cuba

Cuba's economy is paralyzed by a catastrophic power grid failure. The entire grid collapsed on March 16, causing a 29-hour nationwide blackout, followed by multiple subsequent collapses. The crisis has forced Cuba to accept Russian oil tankers, with shipments arriving in late March as the US eased blockade restrictions.

• 29Russian oil tanker reaches Cuba with US permission
• 14Cuba experiences multiple nationwide blackouts in a short period
• 13Cuba's entire power grid collapses, causing a nationwide blackout
• 6Russian fuel ships head to Cuba amid energy crisis

Politics is dominated by direct confrontation with the Trump administration. Trump has repeatedly threatened to 'take' Cuba, labeling it 'next' on his agenda after Iran. In response, President Miguel Diaz-Canel has guaranteed 'unbreakable resistance,' while Cuba has confirmed talks with US officials and secured prisoner releases via Vatican mediation.

• 20Trump says he can do anything he wants with Cuba
• 7Cuba confirms talks with United States during severe fuel shortage
• 7Cuba to release 51 prisoners after talks with the Vatican
• 5Mexican leaders call for financial support for Cuba
• 5Trump calls Cuba a "matter of time" after Iran operation

Security posture is on high alert for potential US military aggression. Cuba's military and diplomatic officials, including Deputy foreign minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío, state the country is prepared for any attack. The government is distributing weapons for defense, including giving an AKM rifle to singer Silvio Rodríguez.

• 3Cuba preparing for possible US ‘military aggression’: Deputy foreign minister
• 2Cuba is ready for any potential attack from US amid oil blockade, envoy says
• 2Cuba gives singer Silvio Rodríguez an AKM rifle for defense
• 2Cuba charges 6 with terrorism over speedboat shootout
• 1Coast Guard locates sailboats arriving in Cuba

Society is fractured by blackout-induced civil unrest and natural disaster. The dominant tension is public anger over the power crisis, which erupted into rare riots where protesters attacked and torched a Communist Party office. Concurrently, a magnitude 6 earthquake struck eastern Cuba, compounding the crisis as international humanitarian convoys deliver aid.

• 8Protesters attack and torch Communist Party office in Cuba during blackout protests
• 5Magnitude 6 earthquake strikes Cuba, EMSC says
• 3Mexican President Calls for Aid to Cuba After Brief Retirement
• 2International convoy delivers tons of aid to Cuba amid crisis
• 2Cuban singer Silvio Rodríguez threatens to take up arms if US attacks