CIA Director John Ratcliffe has made a rare visit to Havana, as Cuba struggles with a deepening energy crisis, severe fuel shortages and renewed protests over long power cuts.
The visit came days after Washington renewed an offer of $100 million in humanitarian assistance, which the Trump administration says is intended to ease the impact of the crisis on Cuban citizens. Havana has said it is willing to consider the proposal, but only if the aid comes without political conditions.
According to the Cuban government, the talks were aimed at improving dialogue between the two countries. Cuban officials said Havana does not pose a threat to US national security.
The CIA said the United States was prepared to discuss serious economic and security issues, but only if Cuba makes “fundamental changes”. Ratcliffe also conveyed a personal message from US President Donald Trump, according to reports.
The discussions included intelligence matters, regional security and economic stability, at a time when relations between Washington and Havana remain deeply strained.
Energy system under pressure
Cuba has been experiencing months of serious power cuts and fuel shortages, leaving hospitals, schools and public services struggling to operate normally.
The country’s energy minister has said stocks of diesel and fuel oil, both critical for electricity generation, have effectively run out, describing the situation as critical. Reuters reported that Cuba’s electrical grid suffered a partial collapse on Thursday, cutting power across parts of the east of the island.
The Cuban government blames the worsening crisis on US sanctions and restrictions affecting oil imports. Washington has increased pressure on Havana in recent months, including threats of tariffs against countries supplying fuel to Cuba.
Cuba has traditionally relied on Venezuela and Mexico for oil supplies, but shipments have fallen sharply. The shortages have intensified public frustration, with hundreds of people taking to the streets in Havana in recent days to protest against prolonged blackouts.
Protesters blocked streets, burned rubbish bins and shouted anti-government slogans, in some of the largest demonstrations seen in the capital since the latest phase of the energy crisis began earlier this year.
1/4 🇨🇺Cuba Blackout Protests
— The Wonk (@thewonkin) May 15, 2026
Havana, Cuba erupted in rare protests after officials admitted the island has “absolutely no fuel left”
Blackouts hit Havana, Santiago de Cuba & Holguín for up to 20 hours
Crowds shouted: Turn on lights!#CubaEsRevolución #14May #サッカー日本代表 pic.twitter.com/1PDQvSYEXd
At the same time, the United States has continued to tighten pressure on the Cuban government, imposing new sanctions on officials accused of human rights violations.
Despite the contacts and public statements about dialogue, relations between Washington and Havana remain highly tense, with the energy crisis adding further strain to an already difficult situation.
Source: lifo.gr
