The United States has accused Cuba of interfering with the work of its top diplomat in Havana, U.S. Charge d'Affaires Mike Hammer, after he was reportedly heckled by groups of Cubans during meetings outside the capital. The State Department condemned the incidents as 'failed intimidation tactics' amidst escalating bilateral tensions.
Cuba's vital tourism industry has experienced a significant downturn, with visitor numbers plummeting from over 4 million in 2019 to 2.2 million in 2024. This decline is largely attributed to tightened U.S. sanctions, including travel restrictions and Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, coupled with a severe energy crisis resulting from reduced oil supplies from Venezuela.
The United States is reportedly seeking to instigate a change in Cuba's communist government this year, emboldened by the recent capture of Venezuela's leader. Cuba's economy is severely weakened, facing its gravest crisis since 1959, marked by shortages and blackouts.
Cuba's economy is in its worst crisis in decades, marked by high inflation, severe shortages, and widespread blackouts. With GDP projected to remain stagnant in 2026, the government faces increasing pressure to implement significant reforms to avert a permanent state of emergency.
Cuba is experiencing its worst economic crisis in decades, with electricity generation meeting only half of its needs, leading to daily power outages of up to 20 hours. Aging infrastructure, fuel shortages, and U.S. sanctions are cited as primary causes, severely impacting daily life and the economy.
Russia's UAZ factory, in collaboration with Cuban partners, is set to significantly increase vehicle production in Cuba in 2026. The initiative aims to replace imports and enhance the island's transportation infrastructure, with initial assembly of UAZ Patriot and Pickup models already underway in Havana.
Cuba's Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) has announced a consistent reduction in mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche, across the country. This positive trend, particularly noted in late December 2025, is attributed to intensified, island-wide control and prevention efforts.
Cuban authorities have issued a stark warning regarding a projected surge in forest fires across the island, particularly in Pinar del Río, during early 2026. Factors like prolonged drought, deteriorated forest infrastructure, and human activity are expected to intensify the fire season, with estimates suggesting up to 112 fires and 4,000 hectares at risk in Pinar del Río alone.
Families in Pinar del Río, Cuba, are facing dire circumstances as chronic power outages, lasting up to 30 hours, jeopardize the lives of relatives dependent on life support. Hospitals, despite being prioritized, struggle with unreliable backup systems and fuel shortages, forcing some families to reside within medical facilities to ensure continuous power for critical medical equipment.
Cuba's Central Bank has launched a new floating exchange rate for the US dollar, set initially at 410 pesos per dollar, effective December 18. This move aims to formalize foreign currency transactions and capture funds from the informal market, addressing economic distortions amidst a severe crisis. The new rate is part of a three-tiered system.
Cuba has vehemently condemned the US seizure of the oil tanker 'Skipper' off Venezuela's coast, labeling it an 'act of piracy and maritime terrorism.' The vessel, carrying nearly 2 million barrels of Venezuelan crude destined for Cuba, was intercepted by US forces on December 10, 2025. Havana warns the action jeopardizes its critical oil supply and exacerbates its economic crisis.
Cuba's Vice Foreign Minister Josefina Vidal vehemently denied media reports claiming Havana initiated talks with the United States regarding a post-Maduro Venezuela, labeling them 'absurd and false.' The denial comes amidst escalating US-Cuba tensions and US military actions in the Caribbean.
A significant power outage struck Havana and western Cuba on December 3, 2025, leaving millions without electricity. The blackout, caused by a transmission line failure, highlights the island's ongoing energy crisis due to an aging grid and fuel shortages. Restoration efforts are underway but gradual.
Cuba marked Latin American Medicine Day on December 3rd, celebrating the birth of pioneering scientist Dr. Carlos Juan Finlay, whose discovery of the Aedes aegypti mosquito as the yellow fever transmitting agent revolutionized tropical medicine. The nation honored its healthcare professionals and highlighted its significant contributions to global health and medical cooperation.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla recently thanked China for its unwavering opposition to hostile U.S. policies, including the long-standing economic blockade and Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. China has consistently called for the lifting of these measures, citing their severe impact on the Cuban people.
Cuba's Ministry of Finance and Prices has extended tax payment deadlines until November 30, 2025, for five eastern provinces devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The measure, formalized by Resolution 322, aims to support economic and social recovery in Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, and Las Tunas, which suffered extensive damage from the Category 3 hurricane that made landfall on October 29.
Cuba's government has formally accused the US-funded media outlet El Toque of 'financial terrorism' and manipulating the informal exchange rate to destabilize the island's economy. El Toque, which publishes real-time informal currency rates, denies the allegations, asserting editorial independence despite receiving US State Department grants.
Cuba is experiencing constant and frequent power outages, severely impacting daily life across the island. The crisis stems from an aging energy infrastructure, chronic fuel shortages, and economic challenges, leading to significant electricity deficits and disruptions to essential services.
Four days after Hurricane Melissa made landfall, eastern Cuba, particularly Granma and Santiago de Cuba, faces severe damage. Widespread power outages, telecommunications disruptions, and destruction to homes, infrastructure, crops, and public institutions are reported. Rescue operations continue as international assistance begins to arrive.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba as a Category 3 storm on October 29, 2025, causing widespread damage and prompting mass evacuations. The storm previously devastated Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, leaving a trail of destruction and casualties across the Caribbean.
