Cuba declares emergency as Russia deploys new drones and cold sweeps in
Cuba has declared an international state of emergency, citing what it calls an 'extraordinary threat' from the United States. The move comes as Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla accused the 'anti-Cuban neofascist right wing' in America of escalating tensions. Meanwhile, Russia has readied new military drones for deployment, and extreme cold is set to sweep across European Russia next week.
Cuban officials announced the emergency measures in response to perceived aggression from Washington. Rodríguez Parrilla directly blamed factions within the U.S. for the heightened risk, though no specific actions were detailed.
In Russia, the Defence Ministry confirmed that the 'Koshchei' FPV drones have completed assembly and testing. These unmanned systems can be adapted within days for various tasks, including delivering anti-tank mines, food, water, ammunition, or communications gear to frontline troops.
Meanwhile, meteorologists warn of a sharp drop in temperatures across European Russia. Forecasts predict conditions 7–17°C colder than usual for this time of year, with Moscow preparing for severe cold next week.
On energy matters, Japan has shown interest in Alaska's gas pipeline project, but no direct investments have yet materialised. Since former U.S. President Donald Trump's 2021 announcement of potential Asian funding, progress has been slow. The project's lead developer, Glenfarne, secured preliminary LNG purchase agreements from Japanese buyers in early 2025, though JERA, Japan's largest energy company, clarified in January 2026 that it had no plans to invest. Construction of Phase One is underway, with suppliers like POSCO, Corinth Pipeworks, and Europipe involved, targeting completion by 2028 and first gas deliveries in 2029.
Cuba's emergency declaration marks a new low in its relations with the U.S., while Russia's drone deployment signals ongoing military modernisation. The extreme cold in Russia will test infrastructure and public services. As for the Alaska pipeline, Japanese firms remain cautious, focusing on procurement rather than direct investment, with the project still years from completion.
