A Russian oil tanker carrying 730,000 barrels of crude oil has arrived in Cuba, marking the first oil shipment to reach the Communist-run island in three months. The Anatoly Kolodkin, a sanctioned vessel, docked at the port of Matanzas after sailing from the Russian Baltic Sea port of Primorsk on March 8.
The delivery comes amid Cuba's severe energy crisis, which began after US forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January. Venezuela had been Cuba's primary oil supplier, and Maduro's removal triggered widespread blackouts and fuel shortages across the island of 10 million people.
Russia considers it its duty to step up and provide necessary assistance to our Cuban friends
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman — Kyiv Post
The shipment represents a significant shift in US policy toward Cuba. President Donald Trump had previously threatened punishing tariffs on any country sending crude oil to the island, but appears to have reversed course on the blockade measures.
Cuba's finished. They have a bad regime. They have very bad and corrupt leadership and whether or not they get a boat of oil it's not going to matter
Donald Trump, US President — Kyiv Post
Cuba's energy crisis has had severe humanitarian consequences. Health officials report increased mortality risks for cancer patients, particularly children, due to power outages affecting medical facilities. The island nation has been dependent on imported fuel oil and diesel to generate electricity since its communist revolution in 1959.
Moscow has positioned itself as Cuba's ally during this crisis, with the Kremlin indicating that additional oil shipments may follow. Russian officials said they had discussed the tanker delivery with US counterparts in advance, suggesting some level of coordination or at least notification between the two powers.
In the desperate situation that Cubans now find themselves in, this, of course, cannot leave us indifferent, so we will continue to work on this
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman — South China Morning Post
The arrival of Russian oil highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding Cuba's isolation. While Trump has expressed sympathy for the Cuban people's energy needs, his administration continues to maintain that the island's government remains problematic. The delivery also underscores Russia's willingness to challenge US sanctions and support allies despite international pressure.
Cuba has not received any oil tankers since January, according to President Miguel Diaz-Canel, making this Russian delivery crucial for the island's immediate energy needs. The crisis has caused daily blackouts and sent fuel prices soaring, severely impacting the daily lives of Cuban citizens.
France 24 frames the story as a reversal of US pressure on Cuba, focusing on the practical aspects of the oil delivery. The outlet presents the development as Trump softening the blockade rhetoric without taking a strong editorial position.
Kyiv Post reports the story factually, emphasizing Russia's satisfaction with the successful oil delivery despite sanctions. The outlet includes both Russian and US perspectives without editorial commentary on the geopolitical implications.
SCMP presents a balanced account focusing on the humanitarian aspects of Cuba's energy crisis and Russia's commitment to support its ally. The outlet emphasizes the historical context of Cuba's oil dependence since 1959.
El País frames the story as a US policy shift, highlighting Trump's authorization of the Russian oil shipment as a flexibilization of the petroleum isolation. The outlet focuses on the policy change rather than taking sides.
Tagesschau reports the oil delivery factually while noting Trump's acceptance of the shipment despite his continued criticism of Cuba's government. The outlet maintains objectivity in presenting the contradictory US positions.