Cuba has had fuel and energy shortages due to worsening conditions on its power grid, lack of maintenance, and their economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation has gotten more problematic after January third, when Venezuelan
President Nicolas Maduro was detained in Operation Absolute Resolve, leading to the interim government being led by Delcy Rodriguez to cancel oil shipments to the island.

After Venezuelan oil shipments ceased, the last lifelines of the Cuban regime for oil are Mexico and Russia. However, due to US pressure, Mexico stopped oil shipments to the island, while Russia has sent two oil tankers after Mexico’s halt. Both of these countries prove insufficient, as Cuba has effectively run out of fuel, leading to blackouts across the country.

Over the last four months, the U.S. has stepped up efforts in pursuing a new and more aggressive policy towards Cuba, led by the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. The U.S. has repeatedly threatened and hints at a military intervention on the island. Trump stating that, “they could take control of the island immediately” and other provocative remarks such as claiming they would move the USS Abraham Lincoln to the Cuban coast.

The United States has offered Cuba $100 million dollars in humanitarian aid in turn for massive changes to their politics and governing style of the island. On May 14, 2026, the Central Intelligence Agency announced that its director, John Ratcliffe, participated meetings in Havana, with high-ranking officials of the regime in attendance. This marks the first high ranking meeting since 2016. Cuba has not publicly stated its position on the offers presented by the United States.