Russian President Vladimir Putin officially recognized the crew of the tanker Anatoly Kolodkin, tasked with transporting approximately 100,000 tons of crude oil to Cuba last March, an operation that Moscow presented as humanitarian aid amidst the severe energy crisis on the island.
Putin signed the decree on August 6, expressing his gratitude to the crew members for their "high professionalism" demonstrated during the mission, according to the state shipping company Sovcomflot, which cited the document published on the official legal information portal of Russia and the news agency EurAsia Daily.
The recognition comes just over four months after Anatoly Kolodkin arrived at the Matanzas oil terminal with approximately 100,000 metric tons of crude oil, equivalent to about 730,000 barrels.
The shipment was presented by Moscow as humanitarian aid intended to alleviate Cuba's energy emergency, characterized by prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, and a sustained deterioration of the National Electric System.
The decree recognizes members from different areas of the crew, including the captain's assistants, sailors, machinists, boatswains, electromechanics, personnel responsible for cargo operations, a stewardess, and a cook, added the Russian online outlet Life.
Russia claims that oil prevented a "total collapse" in Cuba
In reporting on Putin's recognition, Sovcomflot emphasized the extraordinary importance of the operation and stated that the fuel sent played a decisive role in sustaining essential services on the island.
"This trip was of extreme importance: the energy supplies delivered ensured the operation of hospitals and water supply systems, and prevented the total collapse of the Cuban economy," stated the company.
The Anatoly Kolodkin, belonging to Sovcomflot, left the Russian port of Primorsk on March 8 and was involved in one of the largest oil deliveries received by Cuba during the early months of 2026.
The operation also had a clear geopolitical dimension. Sovcomflot has been under sanctions from the U.S. Treasury Department since February 2024, as part of measures taken by Washington against the Russian energy and maritime sectors.
The company itself specified that the tanker carried out the mission "on behalf of the Russian government," confirming that it was not a regular commercial operation, but a shipment arranged by Moscow to assist one of its key allies in Latin America.
Díaz-Canel acknowledged that the shipment was insufficient
The Russian assessment of the significance of the mission contrasted with the Cuban authorities’ own statements regarding the actual scope of the cargo.
The ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed gratitude for the assistance and described the shipment as "symbolic", while acknowledging that it was insufficient to meet the country's energy needs.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz also publicly thanked Moscow for its support. However, estimates released at the time indicated that the approximately 100,000 tons sent by Russia could only cover about 10 days of consumption.
The relief turned out, indeed, to be temporary. By May, Díaz-Canel acknowledged that the Russian oil had already been consumed and that there were no new shipments in sight capable of replacing it.
The situation highlighted the magnitude of the problem: even an oil tanker loaded with hundreds of thousands of barrels could only provide a limited respite against the country's growing needs.
A recognition four months after the mission
The operation took place amid one of the most severe energy crises experienced by Cuba, with generation deficits close to 2,000 MW and blackouts in numerous areas exceeding 20 hours a day.
The lack of fuel is compounded by the deterioration of aging thermoelectric plants, frequent breakdowns, and years of inadequate investment and maintenance of the electrical infrastructure.
In that context, the decree signed by Putin four months after the trip also reinforces the political dimension that Moscow attributes to the operation.
The Kremlin presents the shipment as a tangible demonstration of its support for Havana and publicly praises those who made possible a mission carried out by a shipping company sanctioned by the United States.
For Cuba, however, the 100,000 tons of crude oil represented only a temporary relief. Four months after that shipment, the energy crisis continues to affect the daily lives of millions of Cubans, while blackouts and fuel shortages remain unresolved with no structural solution in sight.
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