During the 66th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Cuba, Russian Ambassador in Cuba, Viktor Koronelli, reaffirmed on Friday that Moscow will persist in supplying oil to the island.
In an interview with Canal Caribe, Koronelli highlighted that the Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin was the sole vessel able to deliver crude to Cuba in recent months, making its arrival on April 1 with 100,000 tons of crude oil, approximately 730,000 barrels.
"The only tanker, the sole oil vessel that reached Cuba and managed to break this blockade, this energy siege, was the Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin," stated the diplomat.
Koronelli assured that Russia remains committed to supporting Cuba, while urging other allied nations to join the effort: "We will continue, we will strive to keep supporting Cuba, but I believe it would be crucial if other countries, friends of Cuba, attempt to break this encirclement imposed by the United States just as Russia has."
The ambassador condemned the U.S. sanctions as a "completely unjust blockade, a criminal blockade that violates all norms of international law," echoing the official terminology used by the Cuban regime and Moscow.
The delivery by the Anatoly Kolodkin marked the first significant oil shipment to Cuba since December 8, 2025, with the state-run CUPET confirming the unload was completed on April 4.
Worsening Energy Crisis
However, on April 22, during the Round Table discussion, Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy acknowledged that the Russian shipment would only suffice until the end of that month, leaving the nation without confirmed deliveries for May.
The energy crisis intensified after January 3, 2026, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, which halted Venezuelan shipments of 25,000 to 35,000 barrels daily. The situation worsened when Mexico suspended its deliveries due to debts exceeding $1.5 billion.
On January 29, Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14380, imposing secondary tariffs on any country exporting oil to Cuba, deterring potential alternative suppliers.
The tanker Anatoly Kolodkin is owned by Sovcomflot, a Russian state shipping company sanctioned by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom since 2024, highlighting the politically risky nature of these shipments.
Beyond Oil: Other Cooperation Areas
Aside from oil, Koronelli mentioned additional cooperation areas discussed at the recent Intergovernmental Joint Commission meeting in St. Petersburg: nickel, cobalt, and precious metal mining, agriculture, tourism, airport infrastructure, a joint taxi venture in Havana with Moscow's government involvement, and the continuation of the Antillana de Acero project.
Meanwhile, power outages in Cuba are worsening: on Thursday, the National Electric System reported an availability of just 1,370 MW against a demand of 2,850 MW, with more than 1,495 MW affected.
Cuba produces only 40,000 barrels daily against a demand of 110,000, necessitating the import of two-thirds of its energy needs, a gap that Russian oil alone cannot fill.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov acknowledged on April 15 that Moscow's oil aid to Cuba "will likely last a couple of months," a cautionary note contrasting with the optimism Koronelli conveyed today to state-run Cuban television.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Oil Supply and Energy Crisis
How has Russia been supporting Cuba with oil deliveries?
Russia has been supplying oil to Cuba through shipments like the one from the Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin, which delivered 100,000 tons of crude oil to the island.
What challenges is Cuba facing with its energy supply?
Cuba is experiencing a severe energy crisis due to reduced oil deliveries from allies like Venezuela and Mexico, along with the impact of U.S. sanctions deterring other potential suppliers.