Washington (TDI): The United States President Donald Trump said that he has “no problem” with a Russian oil tanker delivering crude to Cuba despite the ongoing US fuel blockade on the island.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said, “If a country wants to send some oil into Cuba right now, I have no problem whether it’s Russia or not.”
Cuba’s situation has deteriorated rapidly since 3rd January, when US forces captured Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a close ally of the Cuban government who had been supplying the island with oil under highly preferential terms.
Trump also threatened to impose tariffs on any country sending oil to Cuba. On Monday, Russia’s Transport Ministry said the oil tanker Anatoly Kolodkin arrived at the Cuban port of Matanzas carrying “humanitarian supplies” of about 730,000 barrels of oil.
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The vessel is sanctioned by the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom following the war in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia has previously discussed its oil shipment to Cuba with the United States.
He said “Russia сonsiders it its duty not to stand aside, but to provide the necessary assistance to our Cuban friends” The shipment would provide temporary relief to Cuba, which has faced severe energy shortages, daily power outages and lack of basic resources.
Experts estimate the cargo could produce about 180,000 barrels of diesel, enough to meet Cuba’s daily demand for nine or 10 days.
US Policy on Cuba’s Oil Supplies
The US Treasury Department had banned transactions involving Russian petroleum to Cuba in a general license issued on 20 March 2026. Trump’s comments appear to ease that restriction for this shipment.
The tanker Anatoly Kolodkin is under sanctions by the US, EU and UK due to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. It was escorted by a Russian navy ship earlier in its journey.
Trump added that he prefers allowing oil shipments because the Cuban people need heat, cooling and other essentials. He also reiterated concerns about Cuba’s leadership while noting that one boatload of oil would not change the broader situation.
Humanitarian Situation in Cuba
Cuba has been experiencing a deepening energy and economic crisis. Island-wide blackouts have affected daily life, hospitals and public transport. The country lost its main oil supplier after political changes in Venezuela.
Cuba has condemned the US restrictions as an illegal blockade. Several countries, including Mexico, China and Brazil, along with non-governmental groups, have sent humanitarian aid to the island.
Cuba has been under a US trade embargo since 1962. The recent fuel blockade intensified the humanitarian situation on the island of 9.6 million people.
Trump’s statement comes amid broader US policy towards Cuba and the region. The arrival of the Russian tanker marks the first oil shipment to Cuba since January and provides short-term relief amid ongoing challenges. The development comes as the island continues to face severe energy shortages.
Muhammad Usman Hashmi
Muhammad Usman Hashmi is a researcher in International Relations, focusing on climate diplomacy, global governance, and political economy in the Global South. He has contributed to policy dialogues with the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia and serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the International Council on Human Rights, Peace and Politics. He is also associated with Rethinking Economics Islamabad, contributing to research on development and sustainability. He can be reached at musmanhashmi99@gmail.com
