U.S. Renews Pressure on Cuba as Residents Describe Daily Hardships

The United States has renewed threats of military action against Cuba and expressed doubt about reaching a diplomatic solution to the long-standing dispute between the two countries. S. blockade. Electricity outages have become routine, causing food to spoil and limiting school and bus services.

U.S. unsealed criminal charges on May 20 against former President Raúl Castro for his alleged role in the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft. The Trump administration has also called for leadership change on the island. S. ” Cuba reported that as many as 2 million people have left the country in the past five years amid economic difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic and government responses to protests over food shortages.

U.S. agreements “will solve absolutely nothing” and worries about possible bombardment near schools and residential areas. Iván Luis Arcia, an engineer who runs a car repair business, said many Cubans hope for rapid economic change after any political shift, comparing a post-Trump Cuba to Switzerland or Germany.

” El Chino Libre, a chef who asked to use a nickname, said the government has repeatedly closed small private restaurants through arbitrary regulations. He described residents as “exhausted” and said the population is trying to survive amid ongoing shortages.