US allows Russian oil tanker to deliver crude to Cuba amid blockade and energy crisis
Consensus Summary
The US under Donald Trump is allowing a Russian oil tanker, the Anatoly Kolodkin, to deliver approximately 650,000–730,000 barrels of crude oil to Cuba’s Matanzas port despite a de facto US blockade. The shipment follows three months of no oil imports to Cuba, exacerbating an energy crisis marked by severe blackouts, gasoline shortages, and strained healthcare. Both sources confirm the tanker’s sanctioned status and its proximity to Cuba, with Trump publicly endorsing the delivery as humanitarian aid, though he downplayed any geopolitical benefit to Russia. While consensus exists on the tanker’s route and Cuba’s dire energy situation, discrepancies include barrel counts (650K vs. 730K), the US’s rationale for the exemption, and Trump’s broader rhetoric about Cuba’s future. The move contrasts with the US’s past blocking of Venezuelan oil to Cuba and threats against third-party suppliers, highlighting a shifting approach amid Cuba’s collapse under sanctions.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The Russian-flagged tanker Anatoly Kolodkin is carrying approximately 650,000–730,000 barrels of Urals crude oil from Primorsk to Cuba’s Matanzas port.
- The tanker was last tracked just off the eastern tip of Cuba (near Matanzas) and expected to arrive by Tuesday local time (per MarineTraffic/LSEG and ABC tracking data).
- Cuba has faced no oil imports for three months, leading to severe gasoline rationing, energy crises, and island-wide blackouts.
- The US under Trump has blocked all oil shipments to Cuba, including Venezuelan oil, and threatened sanctions on third countries supplying Cuba (e.g., Mexico halted exports).
- Donald Trump stated publicly that he has 'no problem' with the Russian tanker delivering oil to Cuba, framing it as humanitarian relief.
- The Anatoly Kolodkin is sanctioned by the US, EU, and UK due to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- Cuba’s energy crisis has crippled hospitals, public transport, and daily life, with residents relying on natural gas, solar power, and reserves.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The New York Times reported the tanker’s movement, citing a US official briefed on the matter, but did not disclose the US’s rationale for allowing the shipment.
- A second Russian vessel, the Hong Kong-flagged Sea Horse (200,000 barrels), was rerouted from Cuba to Venezuela after the US blocked Cuban oil imports.
- The US temporarily lifted sanctions on Russia to ease oil restrictions caused by US/Israeli strikes on Iran.
- The US military captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2024, removing a key Cuban ally that supplied oil under favorable terms.
- Trump claimed the oil shipment would supply Cuba for 'nine or 10 days' (180,000 barrels of diesel), though no independent verification of this calculation is provided.
- Trump dismissed the idea that the shipment benefits Russia, stating, 'He loses one boatload of oil, that's all it is.'
- Trump previously stated he would 'have the honor of taking Cuba,' suggesting regime change or military intervention.
- Raúl Castro (Cuba’s former president) still wields significant political influence despite Miguel Díaz-Canel’s presidency.
- Mexican activists unloading solar panels and humanitarian aid in Havana Bay were mentioned as part of Cuba’s broader energy/humanitarian crisis.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian reports 650,000 barrels of crude, while ABC states 730,000 barrels—though both cite tracking data sources.
- The Guardian mentions the US temporarily lifted sanctions on Russia to help oil flow post-Iran strikes, which ABC does not reference.
- ABC claims the oil would last Cuba 'nine or 10 days' (180,000 barrels of diesel), but the Guardian does not specify diesel quantities or duration.
- The Guardian highlights the US blocking Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba in January 2024 via military action against Maduro; ABC does not mention this timing or method.
- ABC includes Trump’s direct quote about 'taking Cuba' and regime change, while the Guardian omits this inflammatory rhetoric.
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