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A Russian oil tanker carrying a large shipment of crude has entered Cuban waters, potentially easing a severe fuel crisis on the island as U.S. President Donald Trump signaled he would not block the delivery.
The vessel, Anatoly Kolodkin, is transporting about 100,000 tonnes of crude oil—roughly 650,000 to 730,000 barrels—and is expected to unload the cargo at Cuba’s Matanzas oil terminal.
The shipment is significant because it is Cuba’s first oil delivery in roughly three months, after a U.S.-led effort earlier this year effectively halted shipments to the island.
Trump signals flexibility
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he had “no problem” with countries—including Russia—sending oil to Cuba for now.
“We have a tanker out there. We don’t mind having somebody get a boatload because they need… they have to survive,” he said.
His comments appear to soften a de facto fuel blockade imposed since January, when the U.S. cut off Venezuelan oil supplies after Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro—an ally of Havana—was seized by U.S. forces.
Lifeline for a country facing blackouts
Cuba has been struggling with severe fuel shortages and repeated nationwide blackouts, affecting public services and hospitals.
The World Health Organization recently warned that the shortages were threatening emergency and intensive care services because hospitals were struggling to maintain power.
Russian officials said the shipment is being sent as humanitarian assistance to help the island cope with sanctions pressure and its worsening energy crisis.
A short-term solution
Experts say the cargo could provide only limited relief, possibly supplying the country with fuel for several weeks under strict rationing.
Cuba’s economic problems had already deepened due to declining tourism after the pandemic and long-standing economic challenges. The loss of Venezuelan oil and the recent blockade further worsened the crisis, leaving the island’s power grid under severe strain.
Russia has indicated it may continue sending energy supplies to Cuba as the country seeks to stabilize its electricity system and economy.
