Cuba’s national electrical grid collapsed again on Friday afternoon, cutting off power to more than 9 million people. This incident marks at least the sixth island-wide blackout since the Trump administration imposed a blockade barring all fuel shipments to Cuba in January.
Why it matters: The blackout reflects the severe strain on Cuba's infrastructure exacerbated by U.S. sanctions. With the economy projected to contract significantly, the situation raises concerns about humanitarian crises on the island.
Power outages were triggered by a failure in high-voltage transmission lines in western Cuba, affecting areas as far east as Matanzas.
By nightfall, only 5 percent of Havana’s 862,000 customers had power restored, primarily in hospitals.
The collapse occurred just a day after the U.S. State Department announced new sanctions targeting eight Cuban entities and three individuals.
Driving the news: The U.S. sanctions include measures against military research enterprises and those involved in nickel mining, Cuba’s largest export industry. According to Cuban authorities, the cumulative damage from the blockade has exceeded $8 billion between March 2025 and February 2026.
The UN projects that the Cuban economy will contract by 6.5 percent in 2026, marking the steepest decline in the region.
Sanctions are intended to pressure the Cuban government into behavioral changes, but critics argue they only exacerbate suffering.
Hospital operations have been suspended due to power outages lasting over 20 hours, impacting patient care.
The big picture: The blackouts and economic turmoil are symptomatic of broader geopolitical tensions. Russia has publicly condemned U.S. actions, reaffirming its support for Cuba.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated, "We reject blackmail and threats in foreign policy," emphasizing solidarity with Cuba.
Historically, Russia and Cuba share a close relationship dating back to the 1959 Communist revolution and Soviet support until 1991.
In late March, Russia delivered 700,000 barrels of crude oil to Cuba, challenging the U.S. fuel blockade.
What they're saying: Local residents are feeling the impact of the sanctions and blackouts. Carmen Carballo García, a 66-year-old grandmother, expressed her despair: "The doctors tell me she is underweight. She needs milk, but there is none." This sentiment captures the dire situation many Cubans face.
Francisco Pichón, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Cuba, noted that companies are overly cautious due to sanctions, leading to severe shortages.
UN agencies reported that 100,000 patients in Cuba are awaiting surgeries, with many suffering from interrupted treatment due to the blockade.
The World Health Organization has canceled deliveries of cancer drugs, worsening health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
By the numbers: The economic fallout from the sanctions is staggering. Food prices have surged by 60% between January and August 2026, with a carton of 30 eggs now costing $11—more than the average monthly wage.
More than 7,000 containers filled with food, medicine, and aid are stranded across the Caribbean, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Hospitals have had to suspend operations due to prolonged power outages, impacting thousands of patients.
UN agencies estimate that 5 million people with chronic illnesses are facing interruptions in their treatment.
What's next: As Cuba grapples with these challenges, the international community watches closely. The Cuban government has appealed for greater support from allies like Russia, which has pledged continued humanitarian assistance.
Discussions are expected to continue between Cuba and Russia to bolster economic and humanitarian support during this crisis.
With the U.S. sanctions likely to remain in place, Cuba may seek alternative partnerships to mitigate the impact of the blockade.
Local leaders are calling for a united front among the working class to address the challenges posed by both U.S. imperialism and internal governance issues.