U.S. Allows Russian Oil Tanker to Reach Cuba Amid Energy Crisis

The U.S. government is allowing a Russian tanker carrying crude oil to reach Cuba, effectively easing a blockade that has contributed to an energy crisis on the island, according to a report from The New York Times.

The Russian-flagged vessel, the Anatoly Kolodkin, was near Cuba’s eastern coast Sunday, carrying an estimated 730,000 barrels of oil, ship tracking data showed. U.S. officials reportedly briefed on the matter indicated the tanker was headed for the port of Matanzas if it remains on its current course.

President Donald Trump said Sunday that the U.S. does not oppose Cuba receiving oil, regardless of the source. “We have a tanker out there. We don’t mind having somebody get a boatload, because they need … they have to survive,” Trump told reporters. He added that he has no problem with oil shipments to Cuba from Russia or elsewhere.

The move comes as the Biden administration has temporarily relaxed some sanctions on Russian oil shipments amid global energy market disruptions linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran.

Cuba has faced persistent fuel shortages, leading to rationing and worsening its energy crisis. The Biden administration’s easing of sanctions aims to help stabilize the situation, but the island’s reliance on imports remains a challenge. Previously, the Trump administration cut off Venezuelan oil supplies to Cuba and threatened tariffs on third-party shipments, causing Mexico to halt exports to the island.

Another vessel, the Sea Horse, a Hong Kong-flagged ship carrying about 200,000 barrels of Russian fuel, was rerouted to Venezuela, according to shipping data. The oil supply shortages have significantly impacted Cuba’s economy and daily life, prompting urgent discussions about energy alternatives.

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