Russia Vows to Maintain Oil Lifeline to Cuba Despite U.S. Pressure
MOSCOW, Feb 5 – Russia will continue its oil shipments to Cuba, Ambassador Viktor Coronelli stated firmly in an interview with the state-run RIA Novosti news agency, reinforcing a strategic partnership that has provided crucial energy support to Havana in recent years.
"We assume that this practice will continue," Coronelli said, signaling Moscow's intent to defy U.S. efforts to isolate the Caribbean nation. The declaration comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Cuba "an unusual and extraordinary threat" to national security and threatened tariffs on countries facilitating oil exports to the island.
Washington's escalating campaign to block all oil from reaching Cuba – including from its traditional supplier, Venezuela – has exacerbated existing shortages. The resulting fuel crisis has driven up prices for essentials like food and transport, forced prolonged blackouts even in the capital, and strained the country's already fragile economy.
Analysts view Russia's pledge as both a geopolitical stance and a practical support measure. "This isn't just about energy; it's about signaling that Cuba still has powerful allies," said Maria Fernandez, a Latin America energy analyst at the Global Policy Institute. "Russia gains a foothold in America's backyard while alleviating some of the pressure on Havana."
The U.S. administration confirmed over the weekend that talks with senior Cuban officials had begun, though details remain scarce. The juxtaposition of dialogue and sanctions highlights the complex, often contradictory nature of current U.S.-Cuba relations.
Voices from the Ground
We asked individuals familiar with the region for their reactions:
Carlos Mendez, retired diplomat in Miami: "This is a predictable but dangerous move. Russia is exploiting U.S.-Cuba tensions to expand its influence. Every barrel they send undermines regional stability and props up a repressive regime. The administration's mixed signals – talking while tightening sanctions – are counterproductive."
Anya Petrova, energy markets consultant in London: "Logistically and economically, this makes sense for Russia. They have surplus capacity, and Cuba is a dependable, politically aligned partner. The volumes may not be huge globally, but for Cuba, it's a lifeline. The U.S. sanctions have created a vacuum that Moscow is happy to fill."
James O'Malley, shipping insurance broker in Houston: "(Exasperated) It's a farce! We're sanctioning Venezuela to stop oil to Cuba, so Russia just steps in? All we're doing is pushing Cuba further into Moscow's orbit and making ordinary Cubans suffer. These policies aren't isolating the government; they're just punishing people and creating a new Cold War flashpoint."
Dr. Elena Rodriguez, professor of Latin American studies, University of Havana: "The Russian supply is vital for basic functioning. However, it doesn't solve the structural crisis. It's a temporary relief. The real need is for the U.S. to end this extraterritorial embargo, which violates international law and harms civilians. The world is watching a humanitarian crisis being weaponized."