A tanker carrying Russian fuel is en route to Havana, putting the Trump Administration's oil embargo against the Cuban regime to the test.
According to Bloomberg, the tanker Sea Horse received supplies via ship-to-ship transfer off the coast of Cyprus and is likely transporting around 200,000 barrels of Russian diesel, based on data from maritime intelligence firm Kpler Ltd.
Last Wednesday, the Russian government urged Washington to exercise "common sense" and lift the oil embargo, which is exacerbating Cuba's already critical energy crisis.
From Moscow, Foreign Minister Serguéi Lavrov labeled any attempt to impose a naval blockade on the island as "unacceptable" and strongly refuted U.S. accusations that Russian-Cuban cooperation poses a threat to the United States.
These statements were made during the official visit to Russia by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, as Cuba faces prolonged blackouts and severe fuel shortages, worsened by import restrictions on crude oil.
During the bilateral meeting, Lavrov asserted that, "along with the majority of the international community," Russia calls on the United States to "exercise common sense, adopt a responsible approach, and abandon plans for a naval blockade."
Lavrov emphasized Russia's steadfast support for the island in safeguarding its "sovereignty and security."
Bruno Rodríguez, in turn, criticized the tightening of the embargo and maintained that Cuba will continue to "steadfastly advance in defending its independence and sovereignty."
Days earlier, the Russian Federation's embassy in Havana confirmed that the Kremlin would send crude oil and refined products to the island as "humanitarian aid."
"Crude oil and petroleum product supplies from Russia to Cuba are expected shortly as humanitarian aid," a Russian diplomat in Havana told Izvestia.
This marks the first delivery since February 2025, when Moscow sent 100,000 tons of oil to the island through a $60 million state loan.
Cuba consumes an average of 37,000 barrels per day, and the current situation leaves little room for maneuver.
Understanding the Russian Fuel Shipment to Cuba
What is the significance of the Sea Horse tanker heading to Cuba?
The Sea Horse tanker carrying Russian fuel to Cuba challenges the U.S. oil embargo imposed by the Trump Administration, highlighting geopolitical tensions and Cuba's dire energy crisis.
How has Russia responded to the U.S. oil embargo on Cuba?
Russia has called on the United States to lift the embargo, criticizing it as exacerbating Cuba's energy crisis. Russia continues to support Cuba, providing fuel as humanitarian aid.
Why is the fuel shipment considered humanitarian aid?
The fuel shipment is considered humanitarian aid as it aims to alleviate Cuba's severe energy shortages, which have led to prolonged blackouts and hardship for its population.