Cuba, facing power outage [Xinhua News Agency=Yonhap News]

Cuba's power grid has been reactivated following an unprecedented, large-scale blackout caused by a nationwide power system failure.

According to Reuters and other sources on the 18th (local time), Cuban energy authorities announced on the same day that the power system had been restored 29 hours after the incident occurred.

However, they added that power shortages could persist due to insufficient electricity generation capacity.

This 'blackout' is highly likely to be attributed to the U.S. energy blockade measures, which have been intensifying sanctions against Cuba.

Cuba has not received oil supplies since early January, following the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This is because the United States prohibited oil trade between Venezuela and Cuba, and subsequently signed an executive order imposing punitive tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba.

Amidst severe energy shortages, international aid supplies have also begun to arrive.

AFP reported that a delegation of over 100 European activists arrived at Havana Airport on the same day with 5 tons of medical supplies. Humanitarian organizations plan to deliver a total of 20 tons of aid supplies via aircraft and ships in the future.

Earlier, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that surgeries are frequently being postponed due to power shortages.

However, despite such international support, Cuba's diplomatic isolation appears to be deepening.

As U.S. pressure on Cuba continues, the Costa Rican government announced on the same day that it had closed its embassy in Havana, Cuba, and requested the withdrawal of Cuban diplomats from Costa Rica.

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves stated, "We must eradicate communists in this hemisphere. Considering the abuse and oppression of its residents, and their undignified living conditions, we do not recognize the legitimacy of the Cuban communist regime," explaining the reason for this measure.

Costa Rica's action follows Ecuador's expulsion of its Cuban ambassador on the 4th and is interpreted as a series of diplomatic severances by Latin American countries that align with the Trump administration's pressure policy against Cuba.