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The Kremlin has officially acknowledged the seriousness of the energy crisis in Cuba and has assured that it is maintaining “intensive contacts” with the authorities on the island to seek solutions to the fuel shortage, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and the interruption of Venezuelan supplies.
"Russia is negotiating with Cuba on ways to resolve the country's issues and provide any possible assistance,” stated the Russian press spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who noted that Vladimir Putin's government is aware of the deteriorating energy conditions.
"A truly critical fuel situation has developed in Cuba," Peskov admitted.
“We are aware of this. We maintain intensive contact with our Cuban friends through diplomatic channels and others,” he added.
He emphasized that the main cause of this crisis is the pressure exerted by the United States:
"In fact, let’s say that the stranglehold from the United States is causing many difficulties for the country. We are discussing possible solutions with our Cuban friends. At the very least, we are providing them with all the help we can."
However, the Kremlin spokesperson avoided providing specific details about the actions that Moscow might take or the measures being considered to alleviate the fuel shortage on the island.
He did mention that among the topics under discussion is the repatriation of stranded Russian tourists in Cuba, but no specific plan was outlined.
Russian tourists on the island: Flights under tension
The Russian Union of the Tourism Industry (RUTI) reported that around 4,000 Russian tourists are currently in Cuba.
According to the operator Pegas Touristik, the situation with the return of these travelers is “stable,” and the scheduled flights continue to operate.
However, RUTI itself confirmed that the supply of Jet A-1 kerosene was suspended at nine Cuban airports, including those in Havana, Varadero, and Cayo Coco, from February 10 to March 11.
This has forced Russian airlines to transport additional fuel from their points of origin or make technical stops in third countries.
In a recent case, Rossiya Airlines sent an empty plane to Cuba with the sole purpose of repatriating passengers.
United States Tightens Sanctions: "No Oil or Money for Cuba"
The U.S. offensive has intensified in recent weeks. On January 29, President Donald Trump signed an executive order authorizing the imposition of tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba, directly or indirectly.
Additionally, he declared a national emergency citing an alleged threat to national security originating from Havana.
"Cuba has long depended on large amounts of oil and money from Venezuela in exchange for security services. But the situation has changed. There will be no more oil or money for Cuba, zero!" declared Trump.
Russia, supplier and ally in the shadows
In recent years, Russia has been one of Cuba's most consistent strategic partners in the energy sector.
It has sent oil shipments at crucial times and has strengthened a bilateral relationship in military, economic, and political aspects.
Nonetheless, so far it has not announced any new shipments or specific material commitments in response to this new emergency.
Peskov's statement leaves that possibility open, but for the moment, it remains within the realm of diplomatic support rhetoric.
The phrase "at a minimum, provide all possible assistance" reflects a message of political support, albeit without concrete guarantees.
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