Havana: The Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin, carrying a humanitarian shipment of 100,000 tons of crude oil, arrived Tuesday at the Cuban port of Matanzas, as announced by the Russian Embassy in Cuba. This shipment is seen as a crucial support to the island nation facing severe energy shortages.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitrii Peskov emphasized that Moscow feels obligated to assist its 'Cuban friends' amid a 'severe blockade.' Peskov highlighted the necessity of petroleum products and oil for maintaining life support systems, generating electricity, and providing essential medical and other services in Cuba.

Earlier reports indicated that the US Coast Guard did not intercept the Russian tanker, despite the blockade imposed by former President Donald Trump. Trump stated that he does not perceive an issue with the supply of Russian oil to Cuba. The US blockade, initiated in January, has aimed to restrict oil shipments to Cuba, with threats towards countries attempting to send fuel to the island and incidents of escorting tankers away from Cuban waters.

The ongoing blockade has significantly impacted Cuba's energy consumption, resulting in daily blackouts, acute fuel shortages, and escalating prices. The situation has also worsened medical care on the island, as reported by British daily The Times.