Cuba Open to Reviewing Conditional $100 Million US Aid Offer Amid Energy Crisis

Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez announced that the Cuban government is prepared to consider a $100 million aid proposal from the United States, stating they are ready to review the details and implementation methods. This development occurs as Cuba faces a severe energy crisis, with depleted oil reserves leading to widespread power outages and rare protests in Havana. The aid offer, renewed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, comes with the strict condition that distribution be managed by the Catholic Church rather than the Cuban government, effectively bypassing state authorities. The situation on the island has become increasingly tense, with Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy confirming that Russian oil supplies have been exhausted. Residents in both eastern Cuba and neighborhoods around Havana have experienced significant electricity shutdowns amidst rising temperatures. The Cuban government attributes the crisis partly to the impact of the U.S. blockade, which restricts fuel imports. As civil unrest grows due to prolonged blackouts, the potential acceptance of conditional U.S. aid marks a significant diplomatic moment, highlighting the intersection of humanitarian need, political conditions, and ongoing geopolitical tensions between Washington and Havana.