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Russia on Thursday described Cuba‘s fuel shortage as “critical” and confirmed it is exploring crude oil and fuel deliveries to the island as the energy crisis deepens, according to Russian officials.
The comments come as Russia begins evacuating its citizens from Cuba due to jet fuel shortages that have disrupted commercial aviation and strained the island’s infrastructure.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is in contact with Cuban authorities and assessing options to stabilize fuel supplies. In remarks published by Russian media outlet RIA Novosti, Peskov said Russia is preparing shipments of crude oil and refined fuel to Cuba to help ease the shortage. The report said deliveries could take place in the near term as discussions continue between Moscow and Havana.
Peskov described the situation as severe and criticized U.S. economic pressure on Cuba, arguing that sanctions and tariff threats have contributed to the island’s fuel crunch. “We wouldn’t want any escalation, but on the other hand, we don’t have much trade right now,” he said. He was responding to a question about whether the Kremlin fears the situation could escalate after the U.S. imposed tariffs on countries that continue supplying Cuba with oil.
At the same time, Russia has begun evacuating tourists from Cuba as airlines struggle with jet fuel availability. Reuters reported that Russian carriers are operating outbound repatriation flights and are expected to suspend regular service after those evacuations are complete because aircraft cannot reliably refuel on the island.
The developments mark a significant escalation in Moscow’s involvement, shifting from rhetoric to potential direct energy support as Cuba faces mounting disruptions to transportation and commerce.
