Cuba received on Wednesday a shipment of 469.2 tons of sunflower oil donated by the Russian Federation, as part of its collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations.
The delivery, celebrated in Havana, comes at a time of deep food crisis, where the country increasingly relies on foreign donations to meet basic needs.
The Russian embassy in Cuba reported on its Facebook profile that the supply was managed through the Russian Ministry for Civil Protection, Emergencies, and Disaster Consequences Elimination, and is aimed at the most vulnerable social sectors, including children and the elderly.
The Russian ambassador, Viktor Koronelli, the WFP representative in Cuba, Etienne Labande, and officials from the Cuban government were present at the handover ceremony.
"I am convinced that this contribution will be a great help to the brotherly Cuban people," stated Koronelli, who also pointed out the United States embargo on Cuba as, in his view, responsible for the current supply shortages on the island.
It was also announced that this year new shipments of oil, each weighing around 187 tons, will be delivered, which was described as a strong commitment to Cuba's food security.
In 2023, Russia had already sent a similar shipment of 650 tons of vegetable oil. However, the repetition of these deliveries underscores the fragility of the national food production and distribution system.
These donations are also clear evidence of dependency on the Cuban regime, a country where access to basic products like oil remains uncertain and where millions of people survive amid rationing, long lines, and foreign exchange markets.
For years, Russia has maintained a consistent line of food support for the Cuban regime, as evidenced in April 2021 with the shipment of sunflower oil and wheat flour worth one million dollars.
That same year, in November, a new donation of 672 tons of oil was made, intended to be distributed free of charge among the most vulnerable sectors of the country.
This assistance strategy has been consistently maintained. In September 2023, Moscow made another significant shipment of 652 tons of vegetable oil, during a period marked by severe shortages on the island.
Each of these shipments reaffirms not only the bilateral relationship but also the fragility of the national food distribution system.
In April 2025, the Russian ambassador in Havana promised that his country would rescue the Cuban economy and ensure basic supplies, thereby reinforcing Moscow's geopolitical role in supporting the island. This statement preceded new planned deliveries as part of a commitment to Cuba's food security.
Frequently asked questions about the donation of sunflower oil from Russia to Cuba
How many tons of sunflower oil did Russia donate to Cuba?
Russia donated 469.2 tons of sunflower oil to Cuba as part of its collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme.
What is the purpose of donating sunflower oil to Cuba?
The aim of the donation is to support the most vulnerable social sectors in Cuba, such as children and the elderly, during a time of deep food crisis in the country.
What other support has Cuba received from Russia recently?
In addition to oil, Russia has provided a credit of 60 million dollars to Cuba for the purchase of fuels and has donated two million dollars for the recovery of the national electricity grid system.
How has the food crisis affected the Cuban population?
The food crisis has caused Cuba to increasingly rely on foreign donations to meet basic needs, resulting in rationing, long lines, and a surge in the black market.
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