More than 10 million people have had power cut to their homes and businesses across Cuba after the country's national electrical grid collapsed for the second time in a week. Cuba's energy ministry stated that 'a total disconnection of the National Electrical System has occurred'. Grid operator UNE is working on restoring power, focusing on essential facilities such as hospitals and water systems. By Sunday afternoon, electricity was restored to about half of Havana. This month, Cuba has faced three major blackouts, attributed to a US fuel blockade affecting oil imports necessary for power generation. The Communist-run nation struggles with an aging electricity infrastructure and chronic fuel shortages.

In response to the crisis, a coalition of international socialist groups delivered aid in the form of solar panels and food supplies, arriving in Havana on Monday. Furthermore, public dissent was evident as residents protested the government’s handling of the electricity crisis, with people banging pots and pans in an act of defiance. A man in Havana remarked on the prolonged political, economic, and social turmoil facing the country.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned US military aggression plans and affirmed the Cuban political system is non-negotiable. The Cuban government is currently engaged in bilateral talks with the US to address the ongoing crisis.