Story perspectives

Cuban Blackout After Russian Fuel Exhaustion Sparks Protests

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The blackout left Havana and eastern provinces without power for 24 hours after limited Russian fuel deliveries were exhausted.
Cuba’s Electric Union reported a grid failure early Thursday that cut electricity from Guantánamo to Ciego de Ávila, while crews began restoring service.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy called the situation “tense” and “critical,” respectively, as protests erupted and hospital surgeries were cancelled.

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Story summary

The blackout left Havana and eastern provinces without power for 24 hours after limited Russian fuel deliveries were exhausted.
Cuba’s Electric Union reported a grid failure early Thursday that cut electricity from Guantánamo to Ciego de Ávila, while crews began restoring service.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy called the situation “tense” and “critical,” respectively, as protests erupted and hospital surgeries were cancelled.