US to allow Russian oil tanker to bring relief to Cuba, despite blockade

Summary

On March 30, 2026, the US administration granted permission for a Russian oil tanker to transport oil to Cuba, a move that comes amid ongoing restrictions on oil shipments to the island.

This decision raises questions about the current state of energy infrastructure in Cuba, which has been severely impacted by the blockade, leading to critical shortages.

The implications of this delivery extend beyond immediate relief, potentially affecting regional supply chains and the operational dynamics of energy distribution in the Caribbean.

Key Facts

Fact	Value
Primary source	Le Monde
Source count	6
First published	2026-03-30T02:25:51.000Z

Updates

Update at 04:00 UTC on 2026-03-30

DW News reported US President Donald Trump stated he had 'no problem' with oil deliveries to Cuba amid its energy crisis.

Sources: DW News

Update at 05:37 UTC on 2026-03-30

NPR News reported President Donald Trump expresses no objections to a Russian oil tanker delivering aid to Cuba amid U.S. sanctions.

Sources: NPR News

Update at 06:06 UTC on 2026-03-30

France 24 reported A Russian oil tanker entered Cuban waters, potentially easing Cuba's oil crisis as Trump appears to relax his stance on the blockade.

Sources: France 24

Update at 07:40 UTC on 2026-03-30

EuroNews reported US President Donald Trump comments on the delivery of Russian oil to Cuba amid a fuel blockade.

Sources: EuroNews

Update at 08:08 UTC on 2026-03-30

CNBC reported His comments come as a Russian-flagged oil tanker, the sanctioned Anatoly Kolodkin, makes its way to the fuel-starved Caribbean country.

Sources: CNBC