In an important development, Russia has decided to send another oil tanker to Cuba after the United States slightly eased its strict blockade on the island nation.

Russia’s Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilyov confirmed that one Russian tanker has already reached Cuba, while another ship is currently being prepared for dispatch. He assured support for Cuba, saying, “We will not leave the Cubans in trouble.”

Fuel Crisis Deepens in Cuba

Since January, the US blockade has created a serious fuel shortage in Cuba. This has led to frequent power cuts across the country.

Essential services have been badly affected. Hospitals, transport systems, and even garbage collection have faced disruptions due to the lack of fuel.

US Pressure Aimed at Leadership Change

The blockade is part of a wider pressure strategy by the United States. The goal is to push Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel out of power.

Instead of a full regime change, US President Donald Trump appears to be aiming for a controlled political transition, similar to what happened in Venezuela.

Reports suggest that the US has asked Díaz-Canel to step down. In return, Cuba would be expected to introduce economic reforms and open its markets.

Possible Deal and Political Calculations

According to reports, discussions are ongoing between US officials and Cuban leaders. As part of a possible agreement, Díaz-Canel may be required to leave office and allow structural changes in the economy.

However, the arrangement could allow the family of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro to remain in the country. Despite not holding official power, Castro’s family is still believed to have strong influence in Cuba’s political system.

Cuba continues to function as a one-party communist state.

Mixed Reactions Within the US

If such a deal is successful, Trump could claim that he has weakened another anti-American government in the Western Hemisphere after Venezuela.

However, some hardline supporters in the US may not be satisfied. They had been expecting a complete political overhaul rather than a gradual transition.

US Maintains Sanctions Despite Limited Relief

The White House has clarified that there is no major change in policy. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said oil shipments to Cuba would be reviewed on a “case-by-case basis”.

She also confirmed that the first Russian oil tanker was allowed to reach Cuba for “humanitarian reasons” and stressed that “there’s been no firm change in our sanctions policy”.

Notably, the Russian tanker that delivered oil to the Matanzas port, Anatoly Kolodkin, is under sanctions from the US, Europe, and the UK.

Tensions Continue to Rise

Despite limited relief through oil shipments, the overall situation remains tense. The US continues to apply pressure, while Russia is stepping in to support Cuba during its energy crisis.

This geopolitical situation highlights growing tensions and shifting alliances in the region.