A Russian tanker docked in a Cuban port on Tuesday to deliver the first shipment of oil since January, providing relief from the US-imposed energy blockade.
The Anatoly Kolodkin, carrying 730,000 barrels of crude oil, arrived in Matanzas, east of Havana, around 08:15 local time (12:15 GMT), as confirmed by an AFP team on site. This marks Cuba’s first oil shipment since January 9.
President Donald Trump’s decision to allow Russia to deliver oil to Cuba despite a de facto US embargo since the beginning of the year avoids a confrontation with Moscow while providing relief to the communist island of 9.6 million inhabitants.
However, the White House asserts that US sanctions remain unchanged, with spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt referring to “case-by-case decisions.”
Cubans in Matanzas watched as the massive Russian ship entered the port, with one local expressing gratitude for the delivery, acknowledging it won’t cover all the country’s needs.
Cuba, already facing economic and energy crises, has been further strained by the suspension of oil supply from Venezuela in January and the threat of US sanctions on countries delivering oil to Havana.
The Cuban Foreign Ministry thanked Russia for its “precious help,” with the Russian Embassy stating it is their duty to assist their Cuban brothers in these difficult conditions.
Fuel shortages have affected vital sectors of the Cuban economy, prompting emergency rationing of petrol and multiple national power outages.
Analysts believe the Russian cargo, subject to prior discussions between Moscow and Washington, will provide only temporary relief to Cuba, with the country still facing significant deficits. Once refined, the Russian oil will be used to produce gasoline for transportation, diesel, and fuel for backup generators.
The US restrictions aim to pressure Havana into making concessions at the negotiation table, with the strategy described as pushing the system to the brink without causing a total collapse or humanitarian catastrophe.
President Trump has increased threats against Cuba in recent months, suggesting the idea of “taking Cuba,” citing it as a significant threat to US national security.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed talks with Washington in mid-March. However, according to experts, the Russian shipment will not aid in the Cuban economy’s recovery but is seen more as humanitarian assistance.
