U.S. Sanctions Test: Russian Tankers Nearing Cuba
Two tankers carrying Russian oil and fuel are expected to arrive in Cuba in the coming days, testing new U.S. restrictions and raising uncertainty over whether the shipments will be allowed to unload, according to maritime tracking data and official statements.
The U.S. Treasury Department said this week that Cuba is prohibited from receiving Russian crude oil, adding the island to a sanctions framework that blocks transactions involving the sale, delivery or offloading of petroleum products originating from Russia. The measure was issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
It remains unclear how the restrictions will be enforced once the vessels approach Cuban waters. The shipments could test how far the Trump administration is willing to go to prevent new fuel deliveries to the island, as Washington increases pressure on Cuba‘s energy supply.
Russian-Flagged Tanker Anatoly Kolodkin
One of the vessels, the Russian-flagged Anatoly Kolodkin, departed March 8 from the port of Primorsk carrying approximately 730,000 barrels of crude. It could arrive in Cuba around Monday, according to analytics firm Kpler. The tanker is under sanctions by the United States and the European Union due to its involvement in transporting Russian oil related to the war in Ukraine.
Hong Kong-Flagged Tanker Seahorse
A second vessel, the Hong Kong-flagged Seahorse, is believed to be transporting about 190,000 barrels of diesel or gasoil and could reach Cuba in the coming days, according to maritime tracking data and analysis by Windward. The firm said the vessel has engaged in deceptive shipping practices, including disabling its positioning systems, a tactic associated with sanctions evasion, and lacks Western insurance.
Cuban Energy Crisis
The arrival of Russian fuel would provide a potential lifeline for the island, but also represents a direct challenge to U.S. policy. Washington has warned it could impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba and has moved to tighten restrictions on the island’s access to energy. The situation has worsened, as Mexico also halted deliveries, increasing pressure on the Cuban economy and bringing the country close to collapse, according to reports.
Russian Support for Cuba
Russia has reiterated its support for Cuba and its willingness to provide assistance. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is committed to helping authorities in Havana and is ready to offer “all possible assistance,” including in the energy sector.
Vessels Mentioned
Original Article: Sanctioned Russian tankers nearing Cuba test U.S. oil ban enforcement — Upi