Trump Allows Russian Oil Tanker to Break Cuba Blockade, Fuel Crisis Eases
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. allowed a Russian tanker carrying about 730,000 barrels to reach Cuba.
- The tanker Anatoly Kolodkin arrived at Cuba's Matanzas port with crude oil.
- The move signals a loosening of Washington's de facto Cuba oil blockade amid energy crisis.
US Allows Russian Oil Delivery
The Trump administration allowed the Russian tanker to deliver crude oil to Cuba, effectively ending a de facto US oil blockade.
Trump said, 'If a country wants to send some oil into Cuba, I have no problem whether it's Russia or not.'
The US Coast Guard did not intervene to stop the tanker.
730,000 Barrels Arrive in Matanzas
The tanker arrived at the Matanzas port on Monday.
The shipment could be refined into about 250,000 barrels of diesel, enough for roughly 12 days.
Cuba has endured worsening blackouts and fuel shortages since January.
Kremlin Welcomes Shipment
Kremlin spokesman said Moscow considered it its duty to help Cuba.
The shipment was described as a humanitarian delivery.
This came after Trump’s military operation to depose Maduro.
US Shifts Course Amid Tensions
The decision marks a significant pivot in Trump’s Cuba policy.
Analysts suggested strategic concerns influenced the change.
The Kremlin said the shipment had been discussed with the US ahead of delivery.
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