On May 15, 2026, CIA Director John Ratcliffe made a significant visit to Cuba amid a worsening oil crisis that has left the island nation without fuel. This visit comes as Cuba faces severe power outages, largely attributed to the U.S. fuel blockade initiated during the Trump administration. The blockade has crippled Cuba's economy, with only a single oil tanker from Russia managing to deliver fuel recently. Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy confirmed that the country has now completely run out of oil, leading to widespread blackouts affecting approximately 65% of Cuban territory. In response, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has urged the U.S. to lift the blockade, emphasizing that it is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has countered this by offering $100 million in aid, contingent on it being distributed through the Catholic Church, bypassing the Cuban government. Amid these tensions, small protests have erupted across Cuba, with citizens demanding an end to the blackouts and better living conditions. Ratcliffe's visit is framed by Cuba as an opportunity to reduce hostilities and clarify that the island does not pose a threat to U.S. national security.