The Kremlin confirmed this Thursday that it is holding talks with Cuba to finalize shipments of oil and petroleum products to the island, in a context marked by the tightening of the economic blockade imposed by the United States for more than half a century.
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow is evaluating different energy support options, although he avoided giving public details for “understandable reasons.”
“During all these days we have been in contact with our Cuban friends and have been discussing options to help them,” Peskov reiterated, emphasizing that energy cooperation with Havana is part of a historical relationship of solidarity.
The Russian Embassy in Cuba had already announced that an upcoming shipment of oil and refined products is being prepared as humanitarian aid, aimed at alleviating the energy crisis plaguing the Caribbean nation.
Cuba’s situation is critical. The US blockade has severely limited the island’s ability to access fuel on the international market, causing prolonged blackouts and disrupting the daily lives of millions of citizens.
Adding to the pressure, the current occupant of the White House, Donald Trump, has threatened to impose tariffs on countries that supply hydrocarbons to Cuba, a new tactic against the Caribbean nation.
Peskov, however, ruled out Russia seeking a direct confrontation with the United States on this issue.
“We would not want any kind of escalation. But, on the other hand, at this moment we have practically no trade with the US,” he noted, recalling that bilateral relations are already virtually paralyzed due to previous sanctions. In that regard, the spokesperson insisted that Moscow is committed to a “constructive dialogue” to resolve the differences.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was more forceful, describing Washington’s measures as an “energy blockade” against Cuba.
According to Zakharova, the US policy seeks to suffocate the Caribbean nation and punish its population, in a strategy that violates basic principles of international law and the sovereignty of nations.
Moscow’s announcement adds to other gestures of international support for Cuba, which in recent months has received backing from countries such as China and Venezuela in the face of the US offensive.
For Havana, energy cooperation with Russia represents not only immediate relief but also a reaffirmation of its independent foreign policy and strategic alliances.
This situation raises questions about the reaction of the United States, which has promised to sanction those who support Cuba in the energy sector. However, the lack of significant trade relations between Washington and Moscow reduces the scope for direct pressure on Russia, which could facilitate the shipments.
While the island faces an unprecedented crisis, the Kremlin is demonstrating Russian solidarity to mitigate the effects of the suffocating US policy toward Cuba.
IMAGE CREDIT: Russia did not provide public details on how the oil shipment will be made but assured that the aid will reach the island. Photo: EFE
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
