U.S.-Cuba Sanctions Escalation: Cuba rejected Rubio’s claim that Washington doesn’t block oil shipments, pointing to U.S. tariffs that punish any country supplying fuel to Havana, as the Trump administration added Díaz-Canel, relatives, and entities like MINFAR and the CDR to new sanctions lists. Raúl Castro Returns to Public View: Reuters reports Raúl Castro reappeared at a Havana Interior Ministry event days after U.S. murder charges, with Díaz-Canel defending him in a high-profile speech. Humanitarian Aid Crosses the Border: Colombia sent about 100 tons of state humanitarian goods from Cartagena to Cuba, including medicines, hospital supplies, electrical materials, and solar panels. Energy Crisis Hits Daily Life: Blackouts and fuel shortages are stalling services like trash pickup, while Havana residents keep protesting for water and electricity. Tourism and Payments Under Pressure: Cuba says it will offer hotel management to Cuban investors at home and abroad as major airlines suspend trips indefinitely; Visa and Mastercard are no longer accepted in Cuba. Regional Ripples: China condemned the U.S. blockade escalation and backed Cuba, while Caribbean civil society and diplomats rallied against the embargo.