US Allows Russian Oil Tanker to Reach Cuba, Easing Embargo
Key Takeaways
- Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin carrying about 730,000 barrels reached Cuba, docking at Matanzas.
- The United States allowed the shipment, effectively relaxing its de facto oil blockade on Cuba.
- The cargo is Cuba's first such delivery in months, providing energy relief amid shortages.
Trump Softens Blockade
President Trump announced he would not enforce the blockade against fuel supplies to Cuba.
“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”
A Russian tanker carrying an estimated 730,000 barrels of crude oil approached the island.
Trump told reporters, if a country wants to send some oil, I have no problem, whether it's Russia.
Russian Tanker Approaches
The Russian-flagged tanker Anatoly Kolodkin was sailing toward Cuba's Matanzas port.
The US Coast Guard had two cutters in the region but did not stop the ship.
Kremlin spokesman said Moscow considered it its duty to help Cuba.
Humanitarian Crisis Eases
Cuba had been plunged into daily blackouts and fuel shortages since January.
“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”
The oil shipment was seen as a lifeline amid a deepening energy crisis.
No explanation was given for why the US allowed the shipment through.
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