The primary envoy of the Cuban regime in the United States, Lianys Torres Rivera, has acknowledged that Cubans are justified in protesting the ongoing blackouts. However, she cautioned that these demonstrations should not be misinterpreted as a sign of vulnerability in the face of a potential U.S. invasion.
“When enduring 20-hour blackouts, they voice their grievances,” Torres Rivera stated in an interview with The Hill from the Cuban embassy in Washington. She quickly added that Washington should not mistake this for an indication that “the Cuban people will not defend their homeland against an invasion.”
This conversation unfolded amid the most severe economic crisis on the island. The Minister of Energy, Vicente de la O Levy, openly admitted that the nation lacks essential fuel resources, possessing only accompanying gas. This admission sparked mass protests featuring pot-banging in at least ten municipalities in Havana, with demonstrators lighting fires and blocking streets.
Protesters were heard chanting slogans like “Down with the dictatorship!” and “Electricity and food!” as the regime countered with internet restrictions in the most turbulent areas.
Diplomatic Standpoint and Military Preparations
Instead of acknowledging the government’s role in the energy collapse, Torres Rivera warned against a “misinterpretation” of the protests, emphasizing military readiness. “We are preparing for this. Now more than ever. We cannot be naive,” she declared, while assuring that their preparations are defensive. She suggested that an invasion “could be a grave mistake, potentially turning into a bloodbath.”
The ambassador characterized the current period as “one of the most challenging, if not the most challenging, in bilateral relations,” noting a complete lack of progress in negotiations.
Her statements align with the regime’s warlike rhetoric that has persisted for weeks. In April, Miguel Díaz-Canel asserted to NBC News, “If the time comes, we will fight, defend ourselves, and if necessary, we will die,” ordering an intensification of civilian military exercises involving rifles, drones, and anti-tank mines.
“We see no need for war or any military action by the United States against Cuba because we pose no threat to the United States,” she asserted.
Tensions and International Relations
The context of the interview was tense. CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Cuba on Thursday, meeting with officials from the Ministry of the Interior, including Raul Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, Raúl Castro’s grandson.
The agency warned that the window for negotiations “will not remain open indefinitely,” and that “Cubans should not be under the illusion that the president will not uphold the red lines.”
That same night, it was revealed that the Department of Justice is preparing a criminal indictment against former President Raúl Castro, aged 94, for his role in the 1996 downing of two Brothers to the Rescue airplanes.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio was blunt about Washington’s demands: “The current model they have is broken. It doesn’t work, and it will never change as long as the people currently in charge remain.”
Energy Crisis and Public Outcry
The energy crisis, which Torres Rivera downplayed to The Hill, presents staggering figures: the Electric Union recorded a record deficit of 2,153 MW last Thursday, with only 1,230 MW available against a demand of 3,250 MW.
The Cuban Conflict Observatory documented 1,133 protests in April 2026 alone, a 29.5% increase from the same month the previous year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Energy Crisis and Protests
What is causing the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is primarily due to a lack of fuel resources, as the country has only accompanying gas available. This shortage has led to extensive blackouts and public protests.
How has the Cuban government responded to the protests?
The Cuban government has responded to the protests with internet restrictions in problematic areas and by emphasizing military readiness, rather than addressing the root causes of the energy crisis.
What are the implications of the U.S. potentially invading Cuba?
An invasion could lead to significant conflict, with the Cuban government promising to defend the country, potentially resulting in a "bloodbath," according to Cuba's diplomatic rhetoric.