On March 30, Russia announced that an oil tanker carrying 100,000 metric tons of crude oil had reached Cuba, continuing to support its ally despite the U.S. blockade. This comes after the U.S. halted oil exports from Venezuela to Cuba following the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously warned that imposing tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba would be likely.
However, Trump shifted his stance over the weekend, voicing concern for the Cuban population’s energy necessities. The tanker, named Anatoly Kolodkin, is currently docked at the port of Matanzas, with Russia’s transport ministry confirming this development. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the tanker had been raised in discussions with U.S. officials, underscoring Russia’s commitment to its Cuban allies.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel noted that the island had not received an oil shipment in three months, leading to widespread blackouts and increasing health risks for vulnerable populations, particularly cancer patients. Historically dependent on Soviet oil since its 1959 revolution, Cuba relies heavily on imports for energy generation. Peskov indicated that Russia plans to continue its support, responding to the urgent needs of the Cuban populace.
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