US allows Russian oil tanker to deliver fuel to Cuba amid US blockade
Consensus Summary
The US under President Donald Trump has allowed a sanctioned Russian oil tanker, the Anatoly Kolodkin, to deliver approximately 650,000–730,000 barrels of oil to Cuba amid a prolonged US blockade. The shipment, tracked near Cuba’s eastern coast, aims to alleviate severe fuel shortages causing widespread blackouts and rationing on the island. Trump stated he had no objection to the delivery, framing it as a humanitarian necessity despite Cuba’s geopolitical ties to Russia. Both sources confirm the vessel’s sanctions status and the critical energy crisis in Cuba, though they differ slightly on the oil volume and specific administrative details. The move follows the US blocking Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and threatening third countries supplying the island, while Russia’s broader oil restrictions—including a temporary US sanctions lift—complicate the narrative. Experts note the oil could sustain Cuba for days, offering temporary relief but not resolving the deeper crisis.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The Russian oil tanker Anatoly Kolodkin is carrying approximately 650,000–730,000 barrels of oil (650,000 per Guardian, 730,000 per ABC) and is en route to Cuba’s Matanzas port.
- The vessel is sanctioned by the US, EU, and UK due to Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine war.
- Cuba has faced a US oil blockade, leading to severe shortages of gasoline and electricity, with blackouts and rationing reported since at least three months (Guardian) or years (ABC).
- The oil shipment could supply Cuba’s daily diesel demand for nine or ten days (ABC), producing about 180,000 barrels of diesel (ABC).
- US President Donald Trump stated he has 'no problem' with the Russian tanker delivering oil to Cuba, emphasizing humanitarian concerns over geopolitical implications.
- The Anatoly Kolodkin departed from Primorsk (Guardian) and was tracked near Cuba’s eastern tip (both sources).
- Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel has acknowledged no oil imports for three months (Guardian), worsening the energy crisis.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Trump explicitly stated he would 'have the honour of taking Cuba' and claimed Cuba is a 'very weakened nation' that he could 'do anything with it' (direct quotes).
- The vessel is named Anatoly Kolodkin and carries 730,000 barrels of oil, enough for nine or ten days of diesel supply (180,000 barrels/day).
- Cuban state media reported the tanker’s expected arrival in Matanzas by Tuesday local time, though Cuban officials did not immediately comment.
- Trump dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s potential gain, saying, 'He loses one boatload of oil, that's all it is.'
- The blockade has crippled hospitals and public transport, with years of crisis exacerbating shortages (AP: Ramon Espinosa).
- Raúl Castro still wields significant political influence despite Díaz-Canel being president.
- Mexico halted oil exports to Cuba after US threats, and activists unloaded solar panels and humanitarian aid in Havana Bay (AP/Inter Press Service).
- Trump’s administration blocked Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and threatened tariffs on third countries supplying Cuba.
- The US temporarily lifted sanctions on Russia to improve oil flow restricted by US/Israeli strikes on Iran.
- Another Russian vessel, the Sea Horse (Hong Kong-flagged), was rerouted from Cuba to Venezuela with 200,000 barrels of fuel.
- The US military captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2024, removing a key Cuban ally providing oil to Havana.
- The New York Times reported the tanker’s movement, citing a US official briefed on the matter, but did not disclose the administration’s reasoning for allowing the shipment.
- The Anatoly Kolodkin departed Primorsk with 650,000 barrels of Urals crude (MarineTraffic and LSEG tracking).
- Mexico halted oil exports to Cuba after US pressure, and the Guardian did not mention solar panel aid or Raúl Castro’s influence.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC states the tanker carries 730,000 barrels of oil, while the Guardian reports 650,000 barrels.
- ABC claims the oil could supply Cuba’s diesel demand for nine or ten days (180,000 barrels/day), but the Guardian does not specify the duration or volume of diesel produced.
- ABC attributes the quote 'We have a tanker out there. We don’t mind having somebody get a boatload because they need... they have to survive' directly to Trump, while the Guardian does not include this exact phrasing.
- The Guardian mentions the US temporarily lifted sanctions on Russia to improve oil flow, a detail not present in ABC’s article.
- ABC highlights Raúl Castro’s continued political influence in Cuba, whereas the Guardian does not mention this.
Source Articles
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