Russia considers it its duty to actively get involved and provide the necessary assistance to the Cuban people. Also who need fuel to operate the country’s life support systems. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov declared on Monday.
“Under conditions of a very severe blockade, our Cuban friends need petroleum products and crude oil. This is necessary for the operation of the country’s life support systems, for electricity generation. And for providing medical and other services to the population. Of course, Russia considers it its duty not to stand on the sidelines and to provide the necessary assistance to our Cuban friends,” he stated.
On Monday, the Russian Ministry of Transport reported that the Russian oil tanker Anatoly Kolodkin arrived in Cuba. It is awaiting unloading at the port of Matanzas. The ship is carrying approximately 100,000 tons of oil as humanitarian aid and is sailing under the Russian flag.
This is the first oil tanker to arrive in Cuba in three months. After the United States pressured Venezuela and Mexico to cut off energy supplies to the archipelago. Cuba has not received oil since January 9th, triggering an energy crisis. Mexico made the last shipment, but suspended it due to pressure from Washington.
US Threat to Cuba
On January 29th, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring a “national emergency”. Due to the alleged “unusual and extraordinary threat”. That, according to Washington, Cuba poses to the security of the United States and the region. The text accuses the Cuban government of aligning itself with “numerous hostile countries.” Harboring “transnational terrorist groups,” and allowing the deployment of “sophisticated military and intelligence capabilities” from Russia and China on the island.
Based on these claims, tariffs were announced for countries that sell oil to the Caribbean nation. Along with threats of retaliation against those who act against the White House executive order.
This step comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Havana. Which has consistently rejected these allegations and warned that it will defend its territorial integrity. The Cuban president responded that “this new measure demonstrates the fascist, criminal, and genocidal nature of a cabal. That has hijacked the interests of the American people for purely personal gain.”
On March 7th, Trump announced that “a great change is coming soon to Cuba,” which, he added, is “reaching the end of the road.”
The U.S. has maintained an economic and commercial embargo against Cuba for more than six decades. The embargo, which severely impacts the country’s economy. It has now been reinforced with numerous coercive and unilateral measures by the White House.
Russia reports the arrival of one of its oil tankers in Cuba
A Russian oil tanker carrying a humanitarian cargo of 100,000 tons of crude oil arrived in Cuba. The Russian Ministry of Transportation announced Monday from Moscow on its official website.
“The Russian oil tanker Anatoly Kolodkin, carrying a humanitarian cargo of 100,000 tons of crude oil, has arrived in Cuba. The vessel is in the port of Matanzas awaiting unloading,” the ministry stated.
Moreover the day before, a U.S. official told The New York Times (NYT) that the U.S. Coast Guard would not block the Russian tanker’s passage. Despite the embargo imposed on Cuba by the Trump administration.
Trump himself downplayed the matter when reporters asked him about it aboard Air Force One on Sunday night.
“We don’t mind if someone receives a shipment, because they need it. They have to survive,” the president said, as quoted by the NYT.
On January 29th, Trump signed an executive order allowing the United States to impose tariffs on imports from countries that supply oil to Cuba.
Washington’s actions caused a severe fuel shortage in Cuba. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced Washington’s “energy blockade.” Deeming it “condemnable that a power of the magnitude of the United States would adopt such an aggressive and criminal policy toward a small nation.”
The president acknowledged that Cuba faces serious problems with crude oil availability to guarantee electricity generation and basic activities. As no fuel has entered the country since December.
With information from RT.com and Prensa Latina
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