Kremlin-linked report signals possible aid to fuel-starved Havana amid U.S. warning of tanker interdictions.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A Kremlin-friendly Russian newspaper reported Thursday that Moscow is “expected” to send oil to Cuba as the island faces a severe fuel crisis, though no timeline or formal confirmation of a shipment was provided.
The report, published by Izvestia, cited comments attributed to the Russian embassy in Havana indicating that oil and petroleum products could be supplied as humanitarian aid “in the near future.” However, the use of the term “expected” rather than a firm announcement raised uncertainty about whether a shipment has been finalized.
Independent Cuban outlet 14 y Medio, translating and analyzing the Izvestia report, noted skepticism among experts about whether Russia would provide oil free of charge and questioned how Cuba would finance any purchase. The outlet also reported concerns that Russian officials fear a tanker headed to Cuba could be intercepted by U.S. authorities, potentially triggering a diplomatic confrontation.
Cuba is currently experiencing acute shortages of diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel. Over the weekend, international airports on the island warned that they lacked jet fuel for incoming flights, prompting cancellations and disrupting tourism, a key source of foreign revenue.
The situation intensified after Venezuelan oil shipments, which had helped sustain the Cuban economy, halted in January following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. Though Venezuela’s socialist government remains in power under Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, oil exports to Cuba were suspended as Caracas began cooperating with Washington to rehabilitate its energy sector.
President Donald Trump has publicly insisted that Venezuela cease oil shipments to Cuba as a condition for continued U.S.-Venezuelan engagement. On January 11, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA — ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.” He later signed an executive order declaring the Cuban government a national security threat and authorizing tariffs on third-party nations that ship oil to the island.
The U.S. has also increased humanitarian aid shipments to Cuba, distributing assistance through the Catholic Church to prevent diversion by the government.
The prospect of Russian oil deliveries to Havana comes amid heightened enforcement actions by Washington. Last month, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem released footage of U.S. operations targeting “ghost fleet” vessels accused of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil. Among the ships seized was the Russian-flagged tanker Bella I, later renamed Marinera.
The potential seizure of tankers has reportedly factored into Moscow’s deliberations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Thursday that Russia was not seeking “any escalation” with the United States.
“We would not want any escalation, but, on the other hand, we currently don’t have much trade [with the US], that is the reality,” Peskov said when asked about possible aid to Cuba.
Russia has previously signaled reluctance to subsidize the Cuban government without financial return. In 2017, then-Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said, “Cuba really wants more supplies, but the question is in financial sources. If financial resources are found – the companies will deliver. It’s not charity.”
Analysts also note that Cuba has recently provided manpower to Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence officials have stated that as many as 20,000 Cuban nationals may be fighting alongside Russian forces. Some captured individuals have told media they believed they were responding to advertisements for civilian jobs before being deployed to combat zones.
Whether Moscow ultimately proceeds with an oil shipment to Cuba may depend on both financial arrangements and its assessment of the risks posed by U.S. enforcement actions. For now, Havana’s fuel shortages continue to strain daily life and critical infrastructure across the island.
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