RT/ News/ | Monday, March 30, 2026 
Russian tanker bypasses US oil blockade of Cuba

President Trump said the vessel, carrying 100,000 tons of crude, was allowed through on humanitarian grounds. A Russian tanker has arrived in Cuba to deliver a humanitarian oil shipment amid a months-long US blockade that has led to severe fuel shortages and recurring power cuts across the island. Russia’s Energy Ministry reported that the Anatoly Kolodkin, carrying 100,000 tons of crude oil, has docked at the port of Matanzas and now waits to be unloaded. Despite US Coast Guard ships being present in the region, “the Trump administration did not order those vessels to act,” an official familiar with the matter told the New York Times. “Barring orders instructing it otherwise, the Coast Guard planned to let the tanker reach Cuba as of Sunday afternoon,” the source added, speaking on condition of anonymity. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened tariffs on countries exporting fuel to Cuba. However, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, he confirmed that Washington had allowed the Russian tanker through on humanitarian grounds. “We don’t mind having somebody get a boat load because they need to survive,” he said. “I’d prefer letting it in, whether it’s Russia or anybody else, because the people need heat and cooling.” Trump, however, added that he still expects Havana to “fail soon,” saying the US would be there to “help it out.” The Caribbean nation has faced severe fuel shortages and power cuts in recent months after…Read more