US Gives Permission to Russian Tanker to Deliver Crude Oil to Cuba

(MENAFN) According to reports, the United States is allowing a Russian oil tanker to deliver crude to Cuba, effectively breaking a months-long blockade imposed under the Trump administration.

The vessel, carrying an estimated 730,000 barrels of crude, is expected to dock at the Matanzas terminal by Tuesday, providing a critical supply of energy to the island amid growing tensions with the US. Analysts noted that the shipment would give Cuba a temporary lifeline, allowing it to sustain fuel reserves for at least several weeks.

Officials said the delivery could also ease pressure on the Cuban government, which faces mounting economic challenges and escalating US threats, while demonstrating that the country can still rely on Russia for energy support, at least in the short term.

Reports indicate that the Trump administration had effectively imposed an oil blockade on Cuba in January, threatening nations that had been supplying fuel. In one previous instance, the US intercepted and redirected a tanker headed for Cuba.

While the US Coast Guard maintains two cutters in the area capable of intercepting the Russian ship, no action was taken to prevent its arrival. No official explanation has been given for why the White House did not issue orders to stop the tanker or whether future shipments from Russia will be permitted.

Allowing the tanker to dock avoids a direct confrontation between the US and Russia, at least temporarily.

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