Best photos of May 15: Power cuts in Cuba to prisoner exchange in Ukraine

People walk past a fire set by demonstrators during a protest against the lack of energy and blackouts in the Lawton neighborhood in Havana on May 14, 2026. Cuba blamed the United States for the "particularly tense" situation in its electricity grid, as the east of the country was hit by another widespread power cut on May 14, 2026. Washington has once again offered $100 million in aid, which the island’s government is "willing" to consider. (Photo by Yamil LAGE / AFP)
US President Donald Trump alongside his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during a tour of the Zhongnanhai Garden in Beijing. Getty Images
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is showered with sunflower seeds – a traditional crowd response – after hitting a home run against San Francisco Giants, at Dodger Stadium in LA. Reuters
A group of Buddhist monks take part in the Walk For Peace 2026 in Surabaya, Indonesia. AFP
A clear-up operation is under way after trees were uprooted when a violent storm and strong winds pelted Prayagraj, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. AFP
Grogu attends a premiere for the film Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Reuters
The pack rides to the start line of the seventh stage of the Giro d'Italia 2026 - Tour of Italy cycling race from Formia to Blockhaus. AFP
A former Ukrainian prisoner of war shows his delight at being released under a prisoner exchange with Russia, at an undisclosed location. AFP

The National picks the most striking images from around the world