Moscow (TDI): A Russian oil tanker carrying around 100,000 metric tons of crude has arrived in Cuba, according to Russian officials.
The shipment comes as Moscow says it will continue supporting Cuba with additional fuel supplies despite ongoing US restrictions on the island.
The tanker, identified as Anatoly Kolodkin, was reported to be preparing to unload at the port of Matanzas. Russian authorities said the vessel had traveled from the Baltic Sea port of Primorsk, departing earlier in the month and moving along Cuba’s northern coast before arrival.
The Kremlin stated that the issue had been discussed with US officials in advance. A spokesperson emphasized that Russia considers it important to assist its partners in Cuba, particularly given the country’s current energy challenges, according to Reuters.
Cuba has been facing a severe energy shortage, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel noting that the country had not received an oil shipment for several months. The shortage has led to widespread power outages across the island, which has a population of about 10 million, and has raised concerns among health officials about increased risks for vulnerable patients.
Read More: Cuba Vows ‘Unbreakable Resistance’ to Any Takeover Attempts by US
Cuba has relied on imported fuel since the era following its 1959 revolution, when it developed close energy ties with the Soviet Union. Russian officials indicated that further deliveries remain under consideration in response to Cuba’s ongoing needs.
Read More: Trump Says US-Cuba Talks Underway, Signals Possible Action After Iran
At the same time, reports noted that discussions around such shipments have taken place amid broader international tensions, with the US having previously taken steps to restrict oil flows to Cuba.
