The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced a ban preventing Cuba from receiving shipments of Russian crude oil, in a move that further tightens pressure on the island’s already fragile energy sector.
According to a general license issued Thursday, the Office of Foreign Assets Control added Cuba to the list of countries prohibited from engaging in the purchase, sale, delivery, or unloading of crude oil and petroleum products originating from Russia.
The decision follows a short-lived U.S. measure that had allowed the purchase of stranded Russian oil at sea, part of efforts to stabilize global energy markets amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. That temporary step had partially eased sanctions imposed on Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine, but has now been rolled back.
The move comes as maritime intelligence agencies track at least two tankers carrying Russian oil and gas heading toward Cuba, raising the stakes for enforcement and potential geopolitical friction.
Cuba is already facing severe fuel shortages, frequent power outages, and a worsening economic crisis, widely considered its most serious since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The new restrictions are expected to further strain the country’s energy supplies and economic stability.
U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba and made controversial remarks suggesting he might seek to “take over” Havana “one way or another.”
On its part, Russia has strongly criticized the U.S. measures, reaffirming its support for its long-time ally Cuba and pledging financial and economic assistance to help it withstand mounting pressure.
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