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Three Cubans interviewed this Wednesday by Telemundo 51 on the island expressed their strong frustration with the regime and their belief that no citizen would come forward to defend it in the face of potential external pressure, in a video that captures the mood of the population amidst the escalating tensions between Cuba and the United States.
The most straightforward testimony leaves no room for interpretation: "The Americans can come in right now, and everyone will just sit in the same place. No one will defend anyone."
The interviewee was even more explicit about the nature of power in Cuba: "Whoever is in a high position will not relinquish it just because someone wants them to; they will only let go if forced. They will drag down anyone they have to in order to maintain power."
Another Cuban featured in the report added: "Let this come to an end, because it's not going to go any further. What they're doing is buying time until the mandate is over or to see if there’s a change through another means, because through normal channels, this will never change."
A third voice, that of a woman who identified herself as a Christian, chose a different yet equally revealing tone of collective exhaustion: "I am a Christian who advocates for peace. That is what I wish for my country—peace and tranquility so that everyone can thrive." She nostalgically recalled the era of diplomatic thaw: "Everything could be like it was during Obama's term, when relations between Cuba and the United States were good."
The video was published days after the United States Department of Justice announced the formal charges against Raúl Castro for the downing of the aircraft belonging to Brothers to the Rescue on February 24, 1996, which resulted in the deaths of four American citizens.
The charges include conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, murder, and destruction of aircraft. Raúl Castro could face life imprisonment if he were tried and found guilty.
The report from Telemundo 51 also documents the devastating energy crisis that the island is suffering. According to the network, oil imports to Cuba have decreased by 80 to 90% due to pressure from Washington.
Power outages in Havana exceed 15 hours a day, while in provinces like Pinar del Río, electricity supply is limited to just two hours a day.
A recently arrived Cuban in Miami summarized the atmosphere of fear prevailing on the island: "I can't tell you anything more because believe me, it's quite dangerous to express any thoughts."
Another testimony from the island confirmed the situation inside the country: "In Pinar, they only give two hours. And the people who talk about it: no, you can't say anything. Everyone is under control."
The sentiment captured in the video is not new. Since March 2026, journalists in Havana reported that the most frequently asked question on the streets was, "When is Trump coming?"
When Díaz-Canel called on the people to "defend the Revolution" and promised that every Cuban would have a rifle and an assigned position, social media responded with massive irony, dismantling the official narrative.
Meanwhile, the regime has responded to the energy crisis by opening stores in Havana where renewable energy products are sold at prices unattainable for most. Additionally, solar panels are being sold in national currency, reserved exclusively for "selected individuals": doctors, teachers, labor heroes, and sports glories.
A Russian oil tanker carrying thousands of barrels changed its course and moved away from the island without a confirmed destination, according to Telemundo 51, raising concerns that the energy situation could worsen even further in the coming weeks.
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