US planning to criminally indict ex-Cuban leader Raúl Castro

The U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly preparing to seek an indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro. Sources familiar with the matter told The Associated Press that the potential indictment is linked to Castro's alleged role as defense minister in the 1996 shootdown of four planes operated by the Miami-based exile group Brothers to the Rescue. This development comes as President Donald Trump has threatened possible military action against Cuba. The U.S. Attorney in Miami had previously established a working group to build cases against top Cuban officials, following calls to reopen the investigation into the 1996 incident. To date, only one person has been convicted in connection to the shootdown.

The Trump administration is reportedly considering indicting Raúl Castro, Cuba's former president, a move that echoes the US action against Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro. This potential indictment, linked to the 1996 downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes, comes amid a severe fuel crisis and widespread blackouts in Cuba. The US has also imposed an oil blockade and engaged in bilateral talks with Castro's grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, signaling a push for regime change or economic opening. These developments follow a meeting between CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Cuban officials, where the US offered aid contingent on fundamental reforms, which Cuba indicated it would accept without conditions.

The United States is reportedly planning to indict former Cuban President Raul Castro. The potential charges stem from Cuba's 1996 downing of planes belonging to the anti-Castro group Brothers to the Rescue. This move, reported by US media, comes amid heightened US pressure on Cuba's government, including a blockade impacting fuel supplies. The indictment, if approved by a grand jury, would represent a significant escalation in US-Cuba relations. The reports emerged shortly after a US delegation met with Cuban officials in Havana, offering humanitarian aid in exchange for reforms. This action aligns with the Trump administration's stated goal of regime change in Cuba.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated Havana would accept US humanitarian aid if it adheres to international standards, but suggested lifting the trade embargo would be a more effective solution to the island's worsening fuel crisis and blackouts. His comments followed a US offer of $100 million in aid, conditioned on Cuba implementing "meaningful reforms." Diaz-Canel described the aid offer as paradoxical given the US's "systematic and ruthless" punishment, arguing that easing the blockade would be a more direct way to alleviate suffering. The current crisis, marked by fuel shortages and widespread blackouts affecting essential services like hospitals, has been exacerbated by increased US pressure since 2025, including measures targeting oil shipments.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Cuban officials in Havana on Thursday to foster improved dialogue between the two nations. The Cuban government stated the meeting aimed to contribute to political dialogue amidst complex bilateral relations. Cuba used the opportunity to assert it does not pose a threat to U.S. national security and has never supported hostile activities against the United States. This visit occurs as U.S.-Cuba relations have significantly deteriorated, marked by U.S. sanctions and a fuel blockade. Despite ongoing tensions, intergovernmental talks are continuing, with a high-level diplomatic meeting scheduled for April 10th.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana, Cuba on Thursday for a meeting with Cuban officials. This visit occurs amidst severe energy shortages on the island and a strained relationship between the United States and Cuba. The US has recently imposed a fuel blockade and sanctions on Cuba, with President Trump also making remarks about potentially taking over the island. A Cuban government statement indicated the meeting aimed to contribute to political dialogue between the two nations, acknowledging the complex nature of their bilateral relations.

Cuba is experiencing a severe fuel crisis, leading to widespread disruptions across the nation. Officials have stated that the country has completely depleted its reserves of diesel and fuel oil. This shortage has resulted in extensive power outages, with some areas experiencing blackouts lasting up to 22 hours. The lack of fuel is impacting essential services and daily life for Cubans. The exact reasons for the depletion of fuel reserves were not detailed in the report, but the situation has plunged the island deeper into an ongoing economic challenge.

Cuba is experiencing widespread power outages and rare protests due to a severe fuel shortage. The government announced on May 14, 2026, that it has "absolutely no fuel, oil, and absolutely no diesel," relying solely on limited domestic crude oil and gas production. These blackouts, affecting large parts of the island, have led to demonstrations in neighborhoods near Havana. President Miguel Diaz-Canel attributed the crisis to US sanctions, which he described as an "energy blockade" hindering fuel imports. The national electric system is fragile, with significant power generation capacity lost due to the lack of fuel.

Cuba's Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy announced that the country has completely depleted its reserves of diesel and fuel oil, leading to a "critical" energy situation. Limited gasoline is available from domestic wells, but the supply chain has been severely impacted by a US-led blockade. This shortage has resulted in widespread power outages, with some areas of Havana experiencing 20-22 hour blackouts. The crisis has disrupted essential services like hospitals and schools, and negatively affected the tourism sector. Protests against the power cuts have occurred in Havana. The US has offered $100 million in aid contingent on reforms to Cuba's communist system.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Cuban officials, including Raul Castro's grandson, in Havana on Thursday, May 14th. The meetings, confirmed by both U.S. and Cuban officials, focused on intelligence cooperation, economic stability, and security issues. Ratcliffe conveyed President Trump's message that the U.S. is open to engagement on these matters, contingent on Cuba making fundamental changes. Cuba, in turn, presented evidence asserting it poses no threat to U.S. national security and took issue with its inclusion on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. The visit occurred amidst complex bilateral relations and follows recent meetings between Cuban and U.S. officials on the island.