Anatoly Kolodkin, a Russian tanker carrying a humanitarian shipment of 100,000 tonnes of crude oil, has arrived in Cuba, the Interfax news agency reported on Monday, citing the Russian Ministry of Transport.
Ship tracking data from LSEG showed the vessel moving along Cuba’s northern coast.
The arrival comes after Donald Trump signalled on Sunday that he was reversing course on efforts to block oil shipments to Cuba, saying he had “no problem” with any country sending crude to the island.
Washington had in recent months tightened restrictions on fuel flows to Cuba, pressuring suppliers and effectively curbing deliveries to the island, which relies heavily on imports to meet its energy needs.
The measures have contributed to a severe fuel shortage in Cuba, leading to power outages, rationing and disruptions to essential services, according to officials and media reports.
The Russian shipment is expected to provide only temporary relief, as Cuba’s access to international oil markets remains constrained amid ongoing US pressure.
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