19.03.2026 02:20
Despite the strict energy embargo and naval blockade imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, giant tankers carrying Russian oil have set sail for Cuba. Two tankers are expected to arrive in Cuba by the end of the month. For Cuba, which has not received energy shipments for about three months and whose national electricity grid completely collapsed last Monday, these tankers represent a "lifeline."
The strategy of U.S. President Donald Trump to "squeeze" Cuba through energy has taken on a new dimension with Russia's move. Maritime intelligence sources reported that two giant tankers carrying Russian oil are heading towards Cuba at the cost of breaking the U.S. naval blockade.
A LIFELINE FOR THE ISLAND SUNKEN IN DARKNESS
With the collapse of the entire grid on Monday, Cuba, which has been plunged into darkness, is experiencing its worst energy crisis in recent years. In this critical process, Russia has taken action by sending a message of solidarity with Cuba.
GIANT TANKERS HAVE SET SAIL
Two tankers carrying oil and natural gas from Russia have set sail towards Cuba, which is experiencing a deep energy crisis. The ships are expected to arrive at a Cuban port by the end of this month.
A Russian-flagged giant tanker named Anatoly Kolodkin has departed from the Primorsk port and is heading towards Cuba's Matanzas port. The ship, carrying approximately 730,000 barrels of Russian crude oil, is expected to reach Matanzas by the end of the month.
The Hong Kong-flagged vessel named Sea Horse is expected to arrive at the island next Monday with approximately 27,000 tons of Russian-made fuel.
SHIPMENTS STOPPED DUE TO TRUMP'S BLOCKADE PRESSURE
Cuba's traditional energy suppliers have halted shipments due to the heavy pressures from the Trump administration. Since January 3, following the operation against Nicolas Maduro, no oil has reached the island from Venezuela, and shipments from Mexico, which has succumbed to the pressures, have also stopped since January 9. In Cuba, which can only produce 40% of its own needs, hospitals are canceling surgeries, and food and garbage collection services are on the verge of stopping.
The oil carried by these two ships is expected to be a lifeline for Cuba.
"THE HONOR OF TAKING CUBA WILL BE MINE"
U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated, "The honor of taking Cuba will be mine. I think that once I take Cuba, I can do anything I want with Cuba." Trump's remarks were met with a strong response from the Havana administration. Cuban President Díaz-Canel stated in a message on X, "The U.S. is clearly threatening us with the forcible overthrow of the constitutional order. Any external aggressor will face insurmountable resistance."
EYES ON THE CARIBBEAN SEA: WILL RUSSIAN SHIPS PASS?
Now the whole world is focused on how the U.S. Navy's naval blockade will be breached by Russian tankers. While the Kremlin confirmed that they are in constant contact with the Cuban administration and are ready for any assistance; there are concerns that a direct clash may occur between Washington and Moscow if this shipment is blocked.