On Monday, the Kremlin accused the United States of seeking to 'suffocate' Cuba's economy due to oil blockades instituted by the Trump administration that have severely restricted the flow of oil to the Caribbean island. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, expressed awareness of the critical situation in Cuba and stated that Russia is maintaining intensive communication with Cuban officials through diplomatic channels.

Cuba is currently experiencing a significant fuel crisis, which has been exacerbated by the US blockade preventing the importation of Venezuelan oil — a vital resource for the Cuban economy. The Trump administration had cut off this oil supply as part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government, which it views as a threat, particularly after the arrest of Nicolás Maduro. The US has labeled Cuba as an 'unusual and extraordinary threat' to its national security without providing detailed explanations.

This ongoing situation has implications not only for Cuba's economy but also for its relations with both the US and Russia. As Cuba feels the economic strain from the blockade, it is likely to lean more towards Russia for support. This geopolitical dynamic underscores the complex relationships and tensions among these nations, particularly in the context of US foreign policy in Latin America and Russia's outreach in the region.