Russian Oil Tanker Breaks Through to Cuba as Trump Suddenly Loosens Blockade

A Russian oil tanker has reached Cuban waters for the first time since January, just hours after US President Donald Trump said he had “no problem” with countries sending supplies to the Communist-run island — a dramatic reversal that could ease a humanitarian crisis.

What Happened

The Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin is carrying a “humanitarian shipment” of 100,000 tonnes of crude oil, according to Russia’s Interfax news agency. It’s the first oil delivery to reach Cuba since Trump’s administration imposed a de facto blockade in January.

The blockade began after US forces seized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3 — Cuba’s main oil supplier under highly preferential terms. Trump also threatened tariffs on any nation sending oil to Cuba.

The Humanitarian Crisis

Cuba has been experiencing nationwide blackouts as the blockade deepened existing shortages. Last week, the World Health Organization warned that severe fuel shortages meant Cuban hospitals were struggling to maintain emergency and intensive care services. Petrol stations across Havana have remained closed.

Trump’s Reversal

Just over a week ago, the US Treasury added Cuba to a list of countries barred from receiving oil from Russia. But on Sunday, Trump told journalists on Air Force One: “We have a tanker out there. We don’t mind having somebody get a boatload because they need… they have to survive.”

It’s unclear whether this represents a formal policy shift or a temporary humanitarian exception. Either way, the Russian shipment has arrived — and all eyes are on whether more will follow.

Source: BBC News