Two Russian tankers carrying oil are expected to arrive in Cuba in the coming days, testing new U.S. restrictions on Russian crude shipments to the island. The U.S. Treasury Department has prohibited Cuba from receiving Russian petroleum products under a sanctions framework issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Key Takeaways
Two Russian tankers carrying oil are heading to Cuba, challenging new U.S. sanctions that prohibit the island from receiving Russian crude. One vessel is reportedly using deceptive tactics to evade detection.
- Two tankers carrying Russian oil and fuel are expected to arrive in Cuba soon
- U.S. Treasury Department prohibits Cuba from receiving Russian crude under new sanctions
- The Anatoly Kolodkin, a sanctioned Russian tanker, carries 730,000 barrels of crude
- The Hong Kong-flagged Seahorse is believed to carry 190,000 barrels of diesel or gasoil and has engaged in deceptive shipping practices
- Cuba faces severe energy shortages and economic crisis amid U.S. sanctions
The first vessel, the Russian-flagged Anatoly Kolodkin, departed on March 8 from Primorsk with approximately 730,000 barrels of crude and is expected to arrive around Monday. The second vessel, the Hong Kong-flagged Seahorse, is believed to be transporting about 190,000 barrels of diesel or gasoil and could reach Cuba in the coming days.
The tankers' arrival tests how far the Trump administration is willing to go to prevent new fuel deliveries to Cuba. The island faces severe energy shortages and an economic crisis under a U.S. oil blockade. Russia has criticized the fuel blockade and pledged support for Cuba, according to CNBC. The Seahorse has engaged in deceptive shipping practices, including switching off its location transponders during oil transfers.
The Trump administration has called Cuba's government an 'unusual and extraordinary threat' and suggested the U.S. could turn its sights to Cuba after the Iran war. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the U.S. measures as an 'economic war' and pledged continued resistance, per Fox News. The shipments represent a challenge to U.S. sanctions and raise uncertainty over enforcement once the vessels approach Cuban waters.
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