Trump Allows Russian Oil Tanker to Reach Cuba, Easing Blockade

Trump allowed a Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba, effectively easing a blockade.

“The US is allowing a Russian tanker to deliver crude oil to Cuba, breaking a months-long blockade on the Caribbean island nation by the Trump administration, according to a report Sunday by the New York Times”

Anadolu Agency

The Trump administration had threatened to punish nations sending fuel to Cuba.

Anadolu Agency

Trump said, If a country wants to send some oil into Cuba right now, I have no problem, whether it's Russia or not.

The tanker was reported just off the eastern tip of Cuba.

It was expected to dock at the Matanzas terminal by Tuesday.

Anadolu Ajansı

Fuel shortages had caused daily blackouts and severe gas rationing in Cuba.

The US cut off supplies from Venezuela, Cuba's longtime oil supplier.

“Russian oil tanker reaches Cuba after Trump appears to loosen blockade A Russian tanker carrying oil to Cuba has entered the waters off the Communist-run island, Russian news agencies report”

BBC

The arrival of the Russian tanker buys Havana time.

The oil supply could be extended to about a month.

The Trump administration had gone after Cuba more aggressively than any US government in recent history.

Trump's Cabinet was limited in what it could legally do to stop the tanker.

BFM

The decision avoids a potential US-Russia confrontation.