The Cuban influencer Pedro Jorge Velázquez, known on social media as El Necio, recently traveled to Moscow where he gave an interview to the Russian state media outlet Sputnik Mundo. During the conversation, he asserted that there is a significant admiration for Putin and the Russian people in Cuba at this time.
Velázquez attributed this alleged sentiment to the arrival of Russian oil on the island, which he claims has offered temporary relief from the frequent blackouts in Havana during the week of April 20 to 25.
Temporary Relief from Blackouts
“Last week, there were very few blackouts in Cuba. Havana was completely lit up. Videos of the illuminated city went viral. And do you know why? Because of the Russian oil. It was refined immediately and directed straight to power generation. Havana was fully illuminated. It's a sight we hadn't seen in months,” the regime's propagandist stated.
Countering Western Narratives
El Necio seized the opportunity to depict Russia in a favorable light, countering what he described as Western narratives: “This gives you the impression that Russia is not the wild and uncaring nation painted in Western media, but rather a supportive Russia, extending a helping hand to a small island to support a defenseless people like the Cuban nation.”
Participation in Sovintern Forum
Pedro Jorge is in Moscow to attend the Sovintern Forum. He was photographed alongside Sputnik journalist Victor Ternovsky in an official-looking Moscow setting, both wearing accreditation badges. Ternovsky shared on his social media account, "A pleasure to meet @ElNecio_Cuba in person during his visit to Moscow. Thanks for the interview and for standing with Russia!”
Reality Check on Oil Shipments
However, the claims made by El Necio are only partially verifiable. The first shipment of Russian oil, approximately 730,000 to 740,000 barrels carried by the tanker Anatoly Kolodkin, arrived at the Matanzas port on March 31 following a diplomatic agreement with Havana, and began distribution on April 17, reactivating over 100 MW of electricity generation.
Yet, even President Díaz-Canel acknowledged that the Russian shipment meets just a third of the country's monthly needs, covering only about ten days of supply. Meanwhile, while Havana enjoyed preferential treatment during this period, regions like Holguín, Granma, and Santiago de Cuba faced power cuts lasting 18 to 24 hours daily.
Return of Power Outages
The power outages returned to the capital on the night of April 25-26, and this Tuesday, the National Electric System reports a power generation deficit exceeding 930 MW, with a forecast of over 1,370 MW affected during the nighttime peak.
Controversial Digital Propagandist
El Necio is seen as the primary digital propagandist for the Cuban regime on social media. In February 2026, the United States imposed visa restrictions on him due to alleged harassment campaigns against American diplomats in Cuba, which included sharing images of license plates and vehicles belonging to chargé d'affaires Mike Hammer. Velázquez dismissed the measure as a “political reprisal” and claimed it was “journalistic investigation.”
His visit to Moscow and statements to Sputnik—a media outlet funded by the Russian state—are part of a joint Cuban-Russian propaganda strategy to present fuel shipments as acts of anti-imperialist solidarity. This comes at a time when Cuba requires eight fuel shipments per month but received only one between December 2025 and April 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about Russian Oil Shipments to Cuba
What is the significance of Russian oil shipments to Cuba?
The Russian oil shipments have provided temporary relief from power outages in Havana, albeit only meeting a third of Cuba's monthly needs.
How have other regions in Cuba been affected by the oil shipments?
While Havana experienced improved power conditions, provinces like Holguín, Granma, and Santiago de Cuba still suffered long power outages during the same period.
Why is Pedro Jorge Velázquez known as a propagandist?
El Necio is regarded as a key digital propagandist for the Cuban regime, known for his social media activity supporting the government and opposing Western narratives.