Trump suggests US will allow Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba

Donald Trump hinted on Sunday that the United States would permit a Russian-flagged oil tanker to enter Cuban waters, a decision that could ease the island’s worsening energy crisis. This potential move might lift the fuel embargo imposed by the Trump administration, which has intensified pressure on Cuba over recent months.

Cuba’s energy shortage has led to frequent power outages and disruptions in daily life, including garbage accumulation in Havana and challenges for hospitals maintaining operations. The island’s main oil supplier, Venezuela, was cut off in January following the U.S. capture of its leader, Nicolás Maduro. Subsequent reductions in shipments from other nations, like Mexico, occurred after Washington threatened additional tariffs on oil providers.

As of Sunday evening, the Russian tanker *Anatoly Kolodkin*, carrying nearly 730,000 barrels of oil, was spotted near Cuba’s Holguín province, according to MarineTraffic. It may dock at Matanzas port, a key logistics hub, as early as Tuesday. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump acknowledged the vessel’s approach, stating,

“We have a tanker out there. We don’t mind having somebody get a boatload, because they have to survive.”

He added,

“If a country wants to send some oil into Cuba right now, I have no problem. I prefer letting it in, whether it’s Russia or anybody else, because the people need heat and cooling and all of the other things that you need.”

The energy crisis has deepened, with blackouts growing more frequent and severe. Infrastructure decay and soaring fuel prices have strained public services and food distribution, sparking rare protests where citizens used pots and pans to drum up support. While the Kremlin has engaged with Cuba to explore aid, it hasn’t specifically mentioned the tanker’s imminent arrival. Trump downplayed the significance of the vessel, saying,

“He loses one boatload of oil, that’s all it is. If he wants to do that, and if other countries want to do it, doesn’t bother me much.”

Recent power grid failures have left major cities without electricity for extended periods. The U.S. blockade, which has restricted oil access, is now seen as a critical factor in the nation’s struggles. Trump’s approval of the Russian tanker could signal a shift in policy, though the broader implications for Cuba’s energy situation remain unclear.