The Kremlin emphasized on Thursday that it seeks to avoid any escalation with the United States following Washington's threat to impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba.
Nevertheless, the remarks from Russian presidential spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, hinted at a more nuanced stance: while Moscow does not seek a direct confrontation, it also does not withdraw its energy backing to Havana amidst mounting U.S. pressure.
Peskov's comments were in response to the executive order signed on January 29 by President Donald Trump, which declared a “national emergency” concerning Cuba and enabled sanctions and tariffs against third countries supplying crude to the island.
In light of this situation, the Russian spokesperson stated that Moscow does not desire an escalation, but downplayed the potential impact of such retaliations by noting that bilateral trade between Russia and the United States is currently “practically nonexistent.”
This statement highlights an evident paradox. Given the near-zero commercial exchanges between the two powers due to previous sanctions, the scope for tariff pressure on Russia is limited, which would not effectively prevent Moscow from supplying fuels to Havana.
Thus, the Kremlin sends a dual message: it does not seek confrontation, yet it seems relatively unperturbed by the economic impact of Washington's announced measures.
Strategic Silence on Energy Plans
The most notable aspect of Peskov's briefing emerged when asked about specific plans for energy support to Cuba.
According to Russian media RT, at this point, the spokesperson refrained from providing details, asserting that discussing these matters publicly is not possible “for understandable reasons.” This argument of secrecy adds a strategic layer to Russia’s stance.
Moscow neither denies the shipments nor rules out further deliveries of oil or derivatives, but refuses to disclose volumes, dates, or logistical mechanisms amid maximum geopolitical tension.
The acknowledgment of ongoing contacts with Cuban authorities confirms that assistance formulas are being evaluated, albeit without public transparency.
Diplomatic Balancing Act
In diplomatic terms, the Kremlin tries to maintain room for maneuver: avoiding open provocation while keeping support options available.
Peskov’s cautious rhetoric contrasts with the political tone of other Russian government figures.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently reaffirmed Russia’s “solidarity” with the peoples of Venezuela and Cuba, reinforcing the message of support to governments facing U.S. pressure.
Similarly, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described Washington's actions as an “energy blockade.”
Cuba's Energy Crisis and Geopolitical Implications
These statements come amid a severe energy crisis in Cuba. The island is experiencing rationing, prolonged blackouts, and operational limitations in strategic sectors.
The disruption of traditional supplies and the caution of potential suppliers in the face of tariff threats have exacerbated the fragility of the electrical system, already strained by years of underinvestment and dependence on fuel imports.
In this context, any Russian support carries geopolitical weight. It wouldn't be the first time Moscow has sent crude or facilitated financing to alleviate energy deficits on the island.
In recent years, Russia has granted credits for fuel purchases and dispatched significant shipments of oil and diesel at critical times. However, the current scenario is different: U.S. pressure is more direct and explicit, and the warnings of reprisals are formalized in an executive order.
The balance the Kremlin seeks to project responds to this new environment. Russia aims to maintain its influence in the Caribbean and support a historic ally without opening an additional front of confrontation with Washington.
The secrecy surrounding specific plans allows it to buy time, assess risks, and weigh political and logistical costs.
Meanwhile, the reality in Cuba remains marked by fuel shortages and difficulties in guaranteeing basic services.
Beyond diplomatic nuances, the standoff between Moscow and Washington once again places the island at the heart of a larger dispute, where each oil shipment can become a critical piece of the international strategy.
Understanding the Russia-Cuba-U.S. Energy Triangle
Why is Russia cautious about escalating tensions with the U.S. over Cuba?
Russia is cautious to avoid opening a new front of confrontation with the U.S., especially given the limited bilateral trade, which reduces the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on Russia.
How does the U.S. executive order impact Russia’s energy support to Cuba?
The U.S. executive order allows for sanctions and tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, aiming to pressure Russia to halt its energy backing to the island. However, Russia's existing limited trade with the U.S. might mitigate the impact of such measures.
What is the current energy situation in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis, marked by rationing, long blackouts, and operational challenges in key sectors due to disrupted supplies and reliance on imported fuel.