Cuban Ambassador to France, Otto Vaillant, has strongly condemned the United States' long-standing economic, commercial, and financial blockade against Cuba. His remarks come as the UN General Assembly prepares for its 33rd annual vote on a resolution calling for an end to the embargo, a measure that has consistently garnered overwhelming international support.
An 18-year-old, Samuel Sampedro, has died during mandatory military service at Combinado del Este in Havana. His family has not received official details regarding his death and is demanding transparency and justice amidst growing criticism of Cuba's military service.
Cuba's escalating energy crisis, marked by frequent and lengthy power outages, is profoundly disrupting the work of independent journalists. These blackouts cut off internet access, impede reporting, and exacerbate existing state restrictions, impacting journalists' ability to inform the public.
Independent gender observatories in Cuba have confirmed 12 attempted femicides by October 2025, involving nine women, one transgender woman, and two girls. These incidents highlight a persistent crisis of gender-based violence in the country, amidst a lack of official statistics.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has issued a stern warning to citizens protesting in Havana over severe shortages of basic services like water and electricity. He stated that measures would be taken against those blocking public roads, calling such actions 'unacceptable public disorder,' while acknowledging the legitimacy of some grievances.
Tropical Storm Imelda brought heavy rains and landslides to eastern Cuba, resulting in the death of 60-year-old Luis Mario Pérez Coiterio in Santiago de Cuba. Over 1,291 people were evacuated, with significant rainfall and emergency responses reported in affected provinces.
Residents of Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, have actively joined a global day of solidarity with Venezuela, signing in support of the Bolivarian Revolution and President Nicolás Maduro. This local action aligns with Cuba's recent declarations condemning perceived US military aggression and interventionist intentions in Venezuela.
Ukrainian intelligence claims thousands of Cubans are fighting for Russia, with over 1,000 identified and 39 confirmed dead. Recruitment is allegedly driven by financial incentives, with Cubans receiving around $2,000 monthly. Havana's role remains contentious amidst denials and accusations of complicity.
