Recently, the US position on oil supplies to Cuba has shifted considerably. Just three months ago, US leadership threatened severe tariffs and sanctions against anyone helping Cuba, but now the approach is different.
The Russian tanker "Anatoliy Kalodkin," carrying over 700,000 barrels of oil, has passed the coast guard and will soon unload in Cuba. This delivery will provide the country with around 250,000 barrels of diesel, enough to cover vital infrastructure needs for a month.
Critical infrastructure and, most likely, military units are expected to be the main recipients of the fuel. The US decision raises questions about the true motives behind this policy shift. Officially, authorities say the move aims to meet basic humanitarian needs. At the same time, there are suggestions that the US may be engaging in dialogue with Cuba and alternative political forces to better control the situation.
Experts debate whether this is part of broader geopolitical negotiations or a situational concession caused by the deepening humanitarian crisis. The move also gives Russia an opportunity to enhance its influence in Cuba, framing it as a geopolitical win for Moscow amid perceived US indecision. The looming humanitarian catastrophe on the island could further drive migration and cause domestic unrest.
Analysts point out that Washington is now primarily focused on Middle East developments, choosing to allow limited deliveries rather than trigger a total disaster in Cuba. This decision reflects both a shift in regional power dynamics and internal inconsistencies within US strategic policy.
