Cuba Welcomes Russian Oil Delivery Amid Ongoing Energy Strains

RunWithRugs · 2026-04-01T09:50:12+00:00

Cuba's Foreign Ministry thanked Russia for a crucial oil shipment amid energy shortages, highlighting the support against U.S. sanctions. Russia emphasized its responsibility to aid Cuba, while the U.S. indicated no objections to the delivery despite existing sanctions.

RunWithRugs

2026-04-01 09:50:12

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(MENAFN) Cuba’s Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude on Tuesday following the delivery of crude oil by a Russian tanker, calling the shipment crucial amid ongoing energy shortages.

“We thank the Government and people of Russia for their solidarity support with the arrival of the Russian tanker at a Cuban port,” the ministry said, adding, “This valuable aid arrives amid the energy blockade imposed by the United States, which seeks to strangle the Cuban population.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that Russia feels a responsibility to help Cuba maintain access to essential energy resources, noting that Moscow cannot simply watch its ally face fuel scarcity.

As the tanker neared Cuba, US President Donald Trump commented on Sunday that he would not enforce the de facto fuel blockade. “We don’t mind having somebody get a boatload, because they have to survive. I told them, if a country wants to send some oil into Cuba right now, I have no problem, whether it’s Russia or not,” Trump told reporters.

The White House clarified on Monday that permitting the Russian oil delivery does not represent a change in US sanctions policy.

The tanker reportedly carries about 730,000 barrels of crude, enough to sustain Cuba for several weeks before fuel reserves run low, according to reports.

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