A Russian oil tanker carrying about 100,000 metric tonnes of crude has arrived in Cuba, providing much-needed relief to the island’s worsening energy crisis.
Moscow said it would continue supplying fuel to Havana despite pressure from the United States. The shipment comes after months of severe shortages that have led to widespread blackouts.
The tanker, Anatoly Kolodkin, is set to unload its cargo at Matanzas port. Ship-tracking data shows it departed Russia’s Primorsk port earlier this month and reached Cuban waters this week.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia had informed the United States in advance and stressed Moscow’s commitment to supporting its allies. He added that further shipments could follow, given Cuba’s critical situation.
Cuba has not received regular oil supplies for nearly three months. The shortage began after the United States cut off Venezuela’s exports to the island and warned other countries against supplying fuel.
The crisis has disrupted daily life across Cuba, a country of around 10 million people. Frequent power cuts have affected hospitals, transport and basic services, with officials warning of rising health risks for vulnerable patients.
Cuba relies heavily on imported fuel to run its power plants. The current shortage has pushed the country into one of its most severe energy crises in decades.
Despite earlier threats, US President Donald Trump recently signalled a softer stance, saying oil shipments could be allowed on humanitarian grounds.
Russia said it would continue working with Cuba to ensure energy supplies, describing the situation as urgent and requiring immediate support.
