17.03.2026 09:50
After the crisis deepened by the U.S. oil blockade, Cuba's electrical grid collapsed and millions were left in the dark. U.S. President Donald Trump's words, "The honor of taking Cuba will be mine," further complicated the economic collapse and political tension.
The Cuba that U.S. President Donald Trump referred to as "It will be my honor to take the country" is facing one of the biggest energy and economic crises in its history. With the collapse of the electrical grid across the country, approximately 10 million people are left in the dark, and the events have also taken center stage in international politics.
NATIONAL GRID COLLAPSED, COUNTRY DROWNED IN DARKNESS
As a result of the complete collapse of the national electricity grid in Cuba, a major blackout occurred nationwide. Officials stated that the cause of the problem is not yet clear, but a malfunction in the transmission lines has emerged as a leading issue.
Although the electricity distribution company announced that electricity is gradually being restored in small areas, it was noted that it would take time for the system to be fully operational.
U.S. OIL BLOCKADE CRISIS DEEPENED
One of the most important reasons for the crisis is the oil embargo imposed by the U.S. The Trump administration halted oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba and threatened sanctions against countries that sell oil to Cuba.
These steps have paralyzed Cuba's energy system, which already has an old and inadequate infrastructure. While the country has not received regular fuel supplies for months, electricity production has nearly come to a standstill.
TRUMP: "IT WILL BE MY HONOR TO TAKE CUBA"
Amid all these developments, statements from U.S. President Donald Trump drew attention. Trump claimed that Cuba is weakened, stating that "the honor of taking Cuba will belong to him" and expressed that he could "do whatever he wants" over the country.
Claims have also emerged that while the U.S. is increasing pressure on Cuba, it is simultaneously conducting diplomatic talks, even demanding the resignation of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel from the government.
PEOPLE TO THE STREETS
The consecutive power outages and difficulties in accessing basic needs have led to rare protests in the country. While demonstrations in some areas turned into violent incidents, it was reported that public buildings were damaged.
Cubans express that they have now gotten used to the prolonged outages. Many are trying to find alternative energy sources, while daily life is severely disrupted.
ECONOMIC AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS DEEPENS
Experts state that the energy crisis is not limited to power outages; it negatively affects many areas such as food production, transportation, healthcare services, and tourism. Due to the lack of fuel in the country, garbage cannot be collected, hospitals are struggling, and production is largely disrupted.
The Cuban government announced that it is trying to resolve the crisis through negotiations with the U.S. However, the Havana administration emphasizes that it will not accept conditions that would mean interference in the country's sovereignty.
DEBATE ON "THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE"
All these developments have also brought discussions about Cuba being "on the brink of collapse" economically and politically. The increasing pressure from the Trump administration and the energy crisis further heighten uncertainties regarding the island's future.