A vessel carrying crude oil from Russia has crossed the English Channel en route to the Atlantic, raising concerns that it may be bound for Cuba in a possible challenge to the oil blockade imposed by Donald Trump. The ship’s final destination is uncertain, but experts caution that if Moscow is aiming to supply fuel to Havana, it could offer vital support to Cuba’s struggling government, intensifying the ongoing crisis.
Following the US takeover of Venezuela’s oil exports, Cuba has been deprived of a significant fuel shipment since January 9, disrupting its energy supply. This shortage has led to surging prices, frequent power outages, and mounting fears of a humanitarian crisis, with essential services such as healthcare and education deteriorating, while the national power grid is on the brink of collapse.
In response to the situation, the Trump administration has been pressuring other nations not to provide oil to Cuba in an attempt to induce political change on the island. The focus is on the Anatoly Kolodkin, a Russian state-owned tanker carrying approximately 730,000 barrels of crude oil, which analysts believe could meet Cuba’s energy requirements for several weeks.
The tanker set sail from Primorsk on Russia’s Baltic coast on March 9, indicating its destination as “Atlantis, USA,” a likely diversion tactic. The vessel, along with its operator Sovcomflot, faces US sanctions, making any stop at a US port improbable. Shipping data suggests that the tanker’s likely destination is Matanzas in Cuba, with military observers monitoring its progress.
This recent incident is not the first attempt to deliver Russian fuel to Cuba, as another tanker, the Sea Horse, carrying gas oil of Russian origin, halted its journey to Cuba midway across the Atlantic due to concerns from its Chinese owners about repercussions from the US. After drifting for three weeks, the vessel changed course to seek an alternative buyer in the Caribbean.
The escalating tensions have put pressure on shipping companies navigating the situation, with Cuba, Russia, and Sovcomflot declining to comment on the purpose of the Anatoly Kolodkin’s voyage. Meanwhile, the US has enforced its blockade, intercepting tankers carrying oil to Cuba and redirecting them to other destinations, including the recent incident with a vessel carrying Colombian oil.
Despite the heightened maritime presence near Cuba, the US military’s resources in the region are strained by the ongoing conflict in Iran, leading to some assets being redeployed. General Francis Donovan clarified to Congress that the US has no plans to overthrow the Cuban government but acknowledged Trump’s aggressive stance towards Cuba’s leadership, hinting at potential actions.
In response, Cuba’s President, Miguel Díaz-Canel, accused the US of attempting to control the country and its resources through economic suffocation. He emphasized Cuba’s determination to resist external aggression. Russia has expressed support for Cuba, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov offering assistance to the economically embattled island nation.
The evolving situation underscores the geopolitical tensions in the region, with key players maneuvering to protect their interests amidst the US-led blockade and Cuba’s resilience in the face of external pressures.
