No fuel, no tourists, no cash - this was the week the Cuban crisis got real

The Guardian World

by Ruaridh Nicoll in Havana

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Cuba is teetering on the brink of a full-blown crisis as economic hardship and U.S. pressure intensify. With a four-year economic downturn exacerbated by hyper-inflation and mass migration, the island nation’s 67-year-old communist government is more vulnerable than ever. The situation has reached a boiling point, with Washington actively pursuing regime change following its military operation against Cuba's ally Venezuela earlier this year. Diplomats from U.S.-allied countries in Havana are increasingly frustrated with what they view as Washington’s aggressive tactics, even as they prepare to reduce their diplomatic missions. This growing tension raises questions about the stability of the Cuban government and the potential for further U.S. intervention. The economic collapse in Cuba has beenyears in the making. The country is grappling with a severe shortage of basic goods, fuel shortages that have brought life to a standstill, and widespread cash shortages that leave citizens struggling to access essential resources. Hyper-inflation has eroded savings, while the loss of nearly one-fifth of its population through migration has only compounded the nation’s challenges. The government, led by Fidel Castro’s former allies, is increasingly isolated both domestically and internationally, with limited support from traditional allies. The U.S. administration sees this as an opportunity to push for regime change in Cuba. With Venezuela already under its influence following January’s military operation, Washington views Cuba as the next target in its effort to dismantle regional leftist alliances. The situation has left Cuban officials scrambling to maintain control, while diplomats from other countries express growing concern over the potential for a humanitarian crisis. The ongoing economic and political instability in Cuba underscores the delicate balance of power in the region and raises broader questions about U.S. involvement in Latin American affairs. For readers interested in global politics, this situation highlights the intersection of economic collapse, regime change efforts, and international diplomacy. It also sheds light on the fragile state of Cuban governance and the potential for further instability in the Western Hemisphere. As the crisis deepens, the world will be watching closely to see how it unfolds and what implications it holds for U.S.-Cuba relations and broader regional dynamics.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/15/2026