All articles tagged with #embargo
The first boat from the Nuestra America humanitarian flotilla arrived in Havana with food, medicine, solar panels and bicycles, highlighting solidarity as Cuba faces a deepening US energy blockade that has caused shortages and blackouts; activists call the gesture small but meaningful, while Trump and allies push for regime change and tougher energy restrictions.
Cuba says the entire island has suffered a second nationwide blackout, leaving more than 10 million people without power as restoration protocols begin, following an earlier grid collapse tied to fuel shortages amid sanctions that have disrupted imports from Venezuela and elsewhere and hurt tourism, hospitals, and agriculture.
Two Russian tankers carrying LNG and crude are sailing toward Cuba in a direct challenge to the U.S. embargo, with one vessel rerouted to Venezuela and the other still en route. Analysts say the shipments would provide only a short-term boost to Cuba’s energy-starved grid, which recently suffered a nationwide blackout, while the White House signals it will target countries continuing fuel deliveries.
Cuba’s vice foreign minister rejected reports that Havana is negotiating over President Miguel Diaz-Canel’s fate with the United States, insisting the political system and leadership aren’t up for discussion, while signaling possible talks on issues like trade and compensation for embargo damages; Trump has floated ousting Diaz-Canel and even taking Cuba, but Cuban officials say leadership remains non-negotiable.
Sen. Marco Rubio says Cuba’s centralized economy can’t be fixed and that the island’s reforms are not dramatic enough, while the Trump administration intensifies pressure with sanctions and an oil embargo. Cuba signals limited reforms and seeks foreign investment amid electricity shortages, protests, and mounting economic strain, as Washington exchanges talk with Havana but offers few details.
A nationwide blackout plunged 11 million Cubans into darkness, scrambling power across the island and leaving hospitals without reliable electricity as the country battles a persistent energy crisis fueled by months of fuel shortages blamed on the U.S. embargo; restoration began gradually, with about 31% of Havana reconnected by Tuesday as crews work to restart thermoelectric plants.
Bungie has asked critics to hold their full Marathon reviews until the game's late-March endgame zone, Cryo Archive, opens, a stance that recalls Destiny’s Vault of Glass rollout and raises questions about marketing shaping early impressions.
Bungie reportedly asked outlets to postpone Marathon reviews until after its official release, following a sub-100,000 Steam player count at launch. While early impressions praise gunplay, critics flag UI issues and a cautious outlook as post-launch content in March could shift the game's reception.
President Trump threatened to cut off all trade with Spain over a dispute about jointly operated U.S. air bases, signaling possible embargo actions despite EU trade rules; Spain defended the bases as part of NATO and bilateral agreements, while noting international law, and the episode follows earlier tariff threats and a Supreme Court decision limiting use of emergency powers.
Trump floated a potential 'friendly takeover' of Cuba amid the U.S. fuel embargo, reiterating a regime-change stance as Washington pressures Havana with sanctions and humanitarian concerns while Cuban officials denounce the approach.
Cuba faces widespread blackouts and fuel shortages after the US squeezes Venezuelan oil supplies, prompting government warnings and military drills as private citizens improvise to cope and analysts warn of possible economic collapse.
Officials are weighing a total oil blockade on Cuba to pressure the regime—backed by some aides and Secretary of State Marco Rubio—with no decision yet. Cuba already faces energy shortages after Venezuela oil cuts; a blockade could trigger a humanitarian crisis and regional instability, while hawks argue energy leverage could topple the regime.
German defense firm Renk is shifting tank gearbox production from Germany to the US to bypass German restrictions on arms shipments to Israel amid the Gaza war, a move that has caused internal political backlash against Chancellor Merz's decision to halt arms exports to Israel.
The U.S. signed an executive order imposing tariffs on Brazil, excluding key exports like orange juice, aircraft, wood pulp, and energy products, citing Brazil's prosecution of Bolsonaro as a reason. The move impacted Brazilian companies Embraer and Suzano positively, while also coinciding with sanctions on a Brazilian Supreme Court justice overseeing Bolsonaro's trial.
China has implemented a stricter-than-anticipated embargo on critical minerals, impacting global supply chains and trade dynamics. This move is expected to have significant repercussions on industries reliant on these materials, potentially leading to increased tensions in international trade relations.