U.S. Allows Russian Tanker to Deliver Oil to Cuba
The White House says the one-off approval is a humanitarian carveout that does not change its Cuba sanctions policy.
Overview
- The Russian vessel Anatoly Kolodkin reached the port of Matanzas with about 730,000 barrels of crude after U.S. authorities let it pass on case-by-case grounds.
- It is Cuba’s first oil shipment since January, when Venezuelan supplies stopped and rolling blackouts and fuel rationing deepened.
- Analysts estimate the cargo can yield roughly 250,000 barrels of diesel once refined, which would cover national demand for about 12 days.
- Refining and distribution are expected to take weeks, so officials must decide whether to feed power plants or move buses, farm equipment, and trains.
- Moscow called the delivery needed help and said it consulted Washington, Havana expressed thanks, and Mexico signaled it is exploring ways to route fuel sales to Cuban buyers.