The White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, defended the Trump administration's decision to permit the Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin to deliver oil to Cuba, citing "humanitarian reasons" as the justification.
During a press briefing, Leavitt emphasized that there has been no definitive shift in U.S. sanction policies and warned that Washington retains the right to seize vessels heading to the Island in violation of existing sanctions.
Owned by Sovcomflot and sanctioned by the U.S., European Union, and United Kingdom, the Anatoly Kolodkin arrived at Matanzas terminal on Monday, carrying between 700,000 and 730,000 barrels of crude oil. The tanker departed from the Russian port of Primorsk on March 8.
Leavitt addressed why the administration allowed Russia to send oil to Cuba and not other nations: "It was a decision made. Each case will be assessed individually for humanitarian or other reasons, but there is no firm change in our sanctions policy."
A journalist inquired whether this decision signaled a permanent "green light" for Russia. Leavitt was unequivocal: "No, that is not what I said. Each case will be handled independently."
U.S. Policy on Seizing Vessels
The most direct warning was given when questioned about Mexico, which is exploring ways to resume its crude oil shipments to Cuba. "We reserve the right to seize vessels if legally applicable, should they head to Cuba in violation of U.S. sanctions policy," Leavitt stated. However, she also noted that "the president and the administration retain the right to waive such seizures on a case-by-case basis."
Leavitt's comments align with those of her Russian counterpart, Dmitri Peskov, who disclosed on Monday that the oil shipment to Cuba was not a unilateral decision but rather a pre-discussed operation with the United States.
Peskov confirmed that Moscow had consulted with Washington about the possibility of making "humanitarian" crude oil deliveries before the Anatoly Kolodkin's arrival, indicating that the Trump administration not only permitted the shipment but was also informed of the operation.
Trump's Stance on Oil Shipments
President Trump authorized the ship's arrival while aboard Air Force One on Sunday, stating, "If a country wants to send some oil to Cuba, I have no problem with that."
Trump explained further, "I prefer to let it in, whether it comes from Russia or any other country, because people need heating, cooling, and all the other essentials."
According to State Department expert journalist Eric Martin, the approval for the Russian shipment followed only after the Cuban regime allowed fuel imports for the U.S. embassy in Havana, a move described as "a significant action not previously reported."
Cuba's Dire Energy Crisis
The shipment arrives amid Cuba's most severe energy crisis in decades. The capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. special forces on January 3 cut off between 26,000 and 35,000 barrels per day of Venezuelan oil, which accounted for 80% to 90% of Cuba's imports.
Mexico halted its shipments on January 9 under pressure from U.S. tariffs and sanctions.
Cuba requires approximately 100,000 to 110,000 barrels per day for electricity, transportation, and agriculture but only produces around 40,000, leading to power outages lasting up to 30 hours and a shortfall of 2,000 megawatts.
The Anatoly Kolodkin's cargo provides only seven to ten days of energy consumption for the Island, underscoring that the structural crisis of the Cuban regime, caused by 67 years of mismanagement, cannot be resolved with a single oil delivery.
Understanding U.S. Sanctions and Oil Deliveries to Cuba
Why did the U.S. allow Russian oil to be delivered to Cuba?
The U.S. permitted the delivery for "humanitarian reasons," as stated by the White House spokesperson. Each case is evaluated individually, and there is no permanent change in sanction policies.
What actions can the U.S. take against vessels violating sanctions?
The U.S. reserves the right to seize vessels that head to Cuba if they violate U.S. sanctions policy. However, the administration may choose to waive such actions on a case-by-case basis.
How has Cuba been affected by the energy crisis?
Cuba is facing severe energy shortages due to reduced oil imports from Venezuela and Mexico, leading to prolonged power outages and significant shortfalls in energy production.