Moscow guarantees continuity of oil supply to Cuba amid new pressure from the United States
The Russian ambassador in Havana reaffirms that Moscow will not abandon the island. As Washington intensifies sanctions, Havana faces another round of energy crisis. The Cuban population, already punished by frequent blackouts, sees this Russian support as an important breather.
Viktor Koronelli spoke to Sputnik and was direct. He recalled that Russian oil has been arriving in Cuba for years, at different times. “Russian oil has been supplied to Cuba on several occasions in recent years. We hope this practice continues,” said the diplomat.
On Wednesday, February 4, the tanker Pastorita left Havana Bay loaded with LPG. The image symbolizes that, despite everything, the flow has not stopped. For many Cubans, each delivery represents electricity in their homes and fuel for ambulances and buses.
Trump declares emergency and threatens anyone who helps Cuba
On January 29th, Donald Trump signed an executive order. He declared a national state of emergency and paved the way for extra tariffs against countries that sell oil to the island.
The Republican president justified the measure as protecting the security of the United States. He also said that Cuba is “very close to collapse.” According to Trump, the island lost Venezuela’s oil and money after the American operation in Caracas on January 3, which ended with the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Miguel Díaz-Canel did not mince words. The Cuban president classified the new tariff measure as “fascist, criminal and genocidal”.
The speech reflects the feeling in Havana. Without Venezuelan fuel, the country experiences daily blackouts. Hospitals, factories and homes suffer. Independent analysts warn of serious humanitarian risks if strangulation continues.
On Sunday, Trump spoke again about Cuba. He said the United States is negotiating with Cuban leaders to reach an agreement. He didn’t give details. The statement sounds like pressure: either accept terms, or face more isolation.
Cuban minister opens door to cooperation
Bruno Rodríguez responded on Monday. The chancellor stated that the island’s government is willing to “reactivate” and “expand” bilateral cooperation with the United States to face transnational threats such as terrorism.
The phrase shows pragmatism. Cuba does not want eternal confrontation. However, it does not give up sovereignty. The message is clear: dialogue yes, but without surrender.
Cuba has depended on imports since the end of the Soviet Union. Venezuela helped for years. Now, after the American intervention in Caracas, that support has disappeared. Russia and other partners are trying to fill the gap.
Experts from international organizations point out that broad sanctions affect the poorest first. Children, the elderly and the sick pay the highest price. Therefore, progressive voices around the world criticize the current escalation.
Russia keeps the channel open. Ambassador Koronelli made this explicit. Meanwhile, Havana resists and signals a willingness to dialogue. Washington, in turn, mixes threats and vague proposals.
The next chapter of this tension is not yet written. But one thing is certain: the Cuban people, accustomed to overcoming difficulties, continue to fight to keep the lights on.
With information from La Jornada*
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2026/02/05/russia-nao-abandona-cuba-e-envia-petroleo-sem-medo-dos-eua/
