Trump Greenlights Russian Oil Tanker to Cuba, Easing US Fuel Blockade Amid Energy Crisis

Russian Anatoly Kolodkin delivers 730,000 barrels as Cuban power grid collapses under US sanctions

A Donald Trump-approved Russian oil shipment has reached Cuba, marking a significant breach of the US-imposed fuel blockade that has left the island nation grappling with severe energy shortages.

The Russian-flagged tanker Anatoly Kolodkin, carrying nearly 730,000 barrels of crude oil, docked at Matanzas port on Monday, according to Russia’s transport ministry. The arrival comes as Cuba faces mounting blackouts, hospital disruptions, and critical infrastructure failures following months of US sanctions targeting its primary oil supplier, Venezuela, and other potential exporters.

Energy crisis deepens in Havana

Cuban residents have endured prolonged blackouts, rising fuel prices, and interruptions to food transportation, prompting rare public protests in Havana and other cities. Power grid collapses in recent weeks have left millions without electricity, severely impacting hospitals and daily life.

The US administration, led by Trump, has previously cut off Venezuela’s oil supplies to Cuba and threatened additional tariffs on countries supplying the island. Despite this, Trump confirmed on Sunday that the tanker en route to Cuba would be allowed entry, emphasizing humanitarian concerns.

“We have a tanker out there. We don’t mind having somebody get a boatload, because they have to survive,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “I prefer letting it in, whether it’s Russia or anybody else, because the people need heat and cooling and all of the other things that you need.”

Geopolitical tensions

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the tanker’s arrival and noted prior discussions with US officials. Trump dismissed the notion that allowing the shipment benefits Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating it “doesn’t bother me much” and framing the move as a practical measure to aid Cuban citizens.

Cuba’s energy crunch has intensified after the island lost Venezuelan oil supplies following the US capture of President Nicolás Maduro in January, with alternative sources like Mexico also curtailed under US pressure.

The tanker delivery represents a rare breach of Washington’s pressure campaign, offering temporary relief as the island struggles to avert a worsening humanitarian and infrastructure crisis.