United States allows Russian oil tanker delivery to Cuba

A Russian tanker carrying 100,000 metric tonnes of crude oil has arrived in Cuba, marking the end of a three-month period during which the island received no oil shipments. The White House, represented by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, stated that this specific delivery was permitted for humanitarian reasons and does not constitute an official change in U.S. sanctions policy. President Donald Trump indicated he would not penalize countries for sending energy supplies to Cuba, citing sympathy for the population facing an energy crisis. This situation follows the January 3 overthrow of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and subsequent U.S.-led restrictions on Cuban oil imports, which caused nationwide blackouts and gasoline rationing. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed the severe impact of the three-month supply gap. Health officials in Cuba reported that the energy crisis has increased mortality risks for patients, particularly children undergoing cancer treatment. The U.S. government maintains that it still reserves the right to seize vessels violating its sanctions policy on a case-by-case basis. Trump expressed a belief that the Cuban government would eventually collapse regardless of the energy assistance. The ship, identified as part of Russia's 'shadow fleet', successfully reached port despite prior threats of tariffs from the U.S. administration.