Cuba is bracing for a possible military attack from the United States, as articulated by Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio during an interview with NBC News. He emphasized that the Cuban military is always on standby and is currently preparing for any potential aggression, despite expressing a hope that such a conflict would not occur. Furthermore, he indicated that Cuba has no disputes with the U.S., asserting its right to self-defense while remaining open to negotiations.

This heightened awareness of a potential U.S. attack comes at a time when Cuba is grappling with serious energy crises, notably experiencing a nationwide power outage for the second time in less than a week. The island's electrical grid is suffering from dilapidated infrastructure, a situation exacerbated by U.S. oil sanctions. As efforts to restore electricity are underway, approximately 72,000 customers in Havana—just a fraction of the city's population—have seen limited restoration of power, which underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Cuban authorities.

The context of the military preparation and the energy crisis highlights the precariousness of Cuba's current situation. While the government is ready to defend itself, the situation raises questions about the potential for escalation in U.S.-Cuba relations amidst ongoing economic difficulties. This dual challenge of external threats complemented by internal crises creates a complex landscape for Cuban leadership as they navigate both diplomatic and logistical hurdles.