Energy Crisis/Power Grid: Cuba suffered a second nationwide blackout in five days and the fourth total collapse of 2026, with the SEN dropping after a failure on the 220 kV line between Santa Clara and Sancti Spíritus; UNE says restoration is underway but fragile, with only a fraction of demand covered and fuel limits forcing “microsystems” and priority supply to hospitals and water. Restoration Steps: Minem reports gradual reconnection efforts, including synchronization of Unit 1 at Santa Cruz del Norte to the western microsystem, while other plants are being started or synchronized to rebuild capacity. Fuel Shortages/Infrastructure Strain: Multiple reports tie the crisis to months-long oil and fuel disruptions linked to the U.S. “energy blockade,” leaving generation capacity far below demand and making any single failure cascade into total shutdowns. Local Impacts/Services: The blackout also disrupted communications in Matanzas (radio/TV interruptions) and deepened daily losses for small businesses; in Cárdenas, batteries from solar panels were stolen from a maternity home while pregnant women and staff were inside. Politics & Repression: As Cuba marks the fifth anniversary of 11J, U.S. officials renewed calls for political prisoner releases while Cuban authorities and critics point to worsening living conditions, daily protests, and heightened repression. Diplomacy: China urged the U.S. to end the blockade during the UN debate, echoing broader international pressure.