United States President Donald Trump has signalled further action on Cuba while the island faces power failures, fuel shortages, and growing humanitarian strain, with aid shipments and diplomatic contacts unfolding at the same time.<\/p>\n
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Cuba faced renewed pressure from the United States this week as President Donald Trump repeated warnings about the island\u2019s future while a nationwide energy crisis deepened.<\/p>\n
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A collapse of the electricity grid left about 10 million people without power earlier in the week, with restoration efforts continuing in stages. According to Cuban authorities, the system remains unstable due to fuel shortages and ageing infrastructure.<\/p>\n
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The blackout marked one of several nationwide failures in recent months. Satellite data reviewed by international agencies showed ongoing fire activity at energy sites, while Cuban officials said fuel reserves have declined after three months without new imports.<\/p>\n
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President Miguel D\u00edaz-Canel confirmed that talks with Washington are under way but remain at an early stage. In a national broadcast, he said the lack of fuel had weakened electricity generation and disrupted daily life across the island.<\/p>\n
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The United States has tightened restrictions on Cuba\u2019s access to oil following its actions in Venezuela earlier this year. Before January, Venezuela supplied about 35,000 barrels of oil per day to Cuba, covering roughly half of its needs.<\/p>\n
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The White House said discussions are ongoing but urged structural changes. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the current system in Cuba must change, adding that economic reform depends on political change.<\/p>\n
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Trump has made several public remarks on Cuba in recent days. Speaking in Miami, he said, \u201cCuba is next,\u201d while asking media to ignore the comment. In earlier remarks reported by CNN, he said the island would \u201cfall pretty soon\u201d and suggested negotiations were under way.<\/p>\n
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The statements followed earlier comments in which Trump said he believed he could \u201ctake\u201d or \u201cfree\u201d Cuba, drawing criticism from analysts and residents.<\/p>\n
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Historian Ada Ferrer told media that such language had not been used by US leaders in decades. \u201cNo politician has spoken as crudely about it,\u201d she said, referring to past US involvement in Cuban affairs.<\/p>\n
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On the ground, conditions have worsened. Residents report food spoilage, water shortages, and rising health risks linked to heat and mosquito borne disease. Medical workers have warned that power cuts threaten patient care.<\/p>\n
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International aid efforts have increased in response. Two sailboats carrying supplies from Mexico were located after a search operation and are continuing towards Havana, according to Reuters and AFP.<\/p>\n
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The vessels form part of the Nuestra America Convoy, which aims to deliver food, medicine, solar panels, and other supplies. One earlier shipment reached Cuba this week with 14 tonnes of aid, including medical equipment and bicycles.<\/p>\n
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Cuban authorities had expressed concern over the missing boats. D\u00edaz-Canel wrote on social media<\/a> that the government was monitoring the situation closely.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Mexico has also sent additional support, while aid groups have criticised US measures, accusing Washington of restricting access to fuel and essential goods.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The energy crisis has affected transport, tourism, and industry. Several airlines have suspended flights to Cuba due to refuelling limits, and mining operations have halted. Public services, including schools and offices, have reduced activity.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n In response, Cuban officials have signalled possible economic changes. Deputy Prime Minister \u00d3scar P\u00e9rez-Oliva Fraga said the country is open to increased business ties with US companies and Cuban expatriates.<\/p>\n
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