Cuba Depletes Oil Reserves Amid US Sanctions as Trump Offers Aid

Cuba has officially declared the exhaustion of its oil reserves, triggering severe blackouts and protests in Havana. Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy confirmed the absence of crude oil, gasoline, and diesel, attributing the crisis to a US-led blockade. The situation worsened after the US halted Venezuelan oil deliveries following the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and pressured Mexico to cease supplies under threat of sanctions by President Donald Trump. While limited private imports and a Russian tanker provided temporary relief, electricity deficits remain critical as summer approaches. President Miguel Díaz-Canel blamed the US for a 'genocidal energy blockade,' contrasting current repression with previous diplomatic thaws. Meanwhile, the Trump administration justified its hardline stance by citing national security threats and alleged Cuban ties to hostile nations and groups. In a surprising development, CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Cuban officials in Havana, where the US reportedly offered aid and free internet access. This geopolitical maneuver highlights the intensifying tension between Washington and Havana, impacting civilian life through prolonged power outages and fuel shortages.