Trump on Russian Oil to Cuba: No Problem?

President Donald Trump said he has “no problem” with a Russian oil tanker delivering relief to Cuba, which is facing a severe crisis exacerbated by a U.S. oil blockade.

Trump Administration Response

“We have a tanker out there. We don’t mind having somebody get a boatload because they need … they have to survive,” Trump said. He stated he had told officials he had no objection to a country sending oil to Cuba, “whether it’s Russia or not.”

Tracking data indicates the oil tanker, carrying approximately 730,000 barrels of oil, was positioned off the eastern tip of Cuba and expected to arrive in Matanzas by Tuesday local time.

The vessel, Anatoly Kolodkin, is currently sanctioned by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom following the war in Ukraine.

Impact of the Blockade

Trump’s administration has taken a more aggressive stance toward Cuba than any U.S. government in recent history, effectively cutting off key oil shipments in an attempt to force regime change. The blockade has had devastating effects on Cuban civilians, despite Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating their desire to help them.

Island-wide blackouts have plagued Cubans already struggling with years of crisis, and shortages of gasoline and basic resources have crippled hospitals and disrupted public transportation. The anticipated shipment could provide around 180,000 barrels of diesel, enough to meet Cuba’s daily demand for nine to ten days.

Cuba has long been a focal point in the geopolitical relationship between the U.S. and Russia. Trump dismissed the idea that allowing the tanker to reach Cuba would significantly benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, “It doesn’t help him. He loses one boatload of oil, that’s all it is.”

He added, “I’d prefer letting it in, whether it’s Russia or anybody else because the people need heat and cooling and all of the other things.”

Trump previously stated he would “have the honour of taking Cuba”. He added, “Whether I free it, take it, I think I could do anything I want with it, you want to know the truth. They’re a very weakened nation right now.”

Following the disruption of Venezuelan oil shipments, Cuba has been relying on natural gas, solar power, and its own oil reserves to operate thermoelectric plants, leading to intermittent and widespread blackouts.