Guantánamo.- The Russian oil tanker Anatoly Kolodkin has arrived in Cuba, where it is currently awaiting unloading at the port of Matanzas, the Russian Ministry of Transport reported.
The ship is carrying approximately 100,000 tons of oil classified as humanitarian aid, in a context marked by a severe energy crisis affecting the Caribbean island.
According to reports, the cargo sailed under the Russian flag and without a military escort. It was also detailed that the tanker was initially accompanied by a Russian Navy warship through the English Channel. However, after entering the Atlantic, the ship continued its journey on its own until its arrival in Cuba.
This operation represents, according to reports, the first arrival of an oil tanker to the island in three months. The move comes after the United States pressured Venezuela and Mexico to reduce or halt energy supplies to Cuba. In this context, the island has not received oil since January 9, an interruption that has led to a sustained deterioration of the energy system and hardship for the population, which depends on fuel for essential services and the functioning of the economy.
It was also noted that Mexico made the last shipment, but then interrupted the supply “due to pressure from Washington.” With this series of cuts, Cuba has been exposed to a worsening of its energy situation, impacting both daily supplies and the capacity for electricity generation and productive activities.
Moscow’s “Unwavering Solidarity”
From Russia, the tanker incident is framed within a discourse of political support and cooperation with Cuba. Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow is concerned about the escalating tensions surrounding the island and assured that it will maintain a position of solidarity with the Cuban government.
Later, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscow’s support and explained that Russian authorities are discussing mechanisms to help Cuba in what he described as a difficult situation. “We are in constant dialogue with the Cuban leadership and, of course, we are discussing how to help the island in such a difficult situation,” he stated, while emphasizing that the measures would be discussed with Cuban counterparts.
