• Trump vows he will "take" Cuba amid economic turmoil on the island.
• The U.S. oil embargo has led to prolonged blackouts and civil unrest in Cuba.
• Russia expresses strong support for Cuba in response to U.S. threats.
• Cuban government officials have proposed opening up business to exiles.
• Negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba aim to improve relations despite tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Cuba, stating on March 16, 2026, that he expects to have the "honor" of "taking Cuba" amid a crippling economic crisis and total power blackouts on the island. Trump remarked, "Whether I free it, take it – think I could do anything I want with it," as Cuba grapples with its worst economic conditions in decades, largely due to a stringent oil embargo imposed by the U.S., according to Channel News Asia, Le Monde, and Reuters.

The oil embargo has been devastating for Cuba's economy, leading to daily power outages that can last up to 20 hours. This energy crisis affects the lives of nearly 10 million Cubans and has intensified public discontent, evident during recent protests against government inadequacies. Trump's remarks coincided with reports that discussions between the U.S. and Cuba aim to reduce tensions, but the U.S. has signaled that the removal of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel is a priority, as highlighted by Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Russia has publicly supported Cuba in light of Trump's threats, condemning U.S. efforts as gross interference in a sovereign state’s affairs. The Russian foreign ministry reiterated its solidarity with Cuba, asserting readiness to provide financial and material support to counter America's restrictive measures, according to Reuters.

In response to the dire situation, Oscar Perez-Oliva, Cuba's foreign trade minister, announced plans for Cuban exiles to invest and own businesses on the island, aiming to sow a commercial relationship with U.S. firms. This development aims to alleviate some economic pressures while the Cuban government grapples with the fallout from the oil embargo and a myriad of shortages, as reported by Le Monde, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.