Amid a deepening fuel crisis caused by US attempts to restrict oil supplies to Cuba, Moscow has announced plans to evacuate its citizens currently vacationing on the island. Russian aviation authorities revealed that two of its airlines will operate outbound-only flights to facilitate the return of tourists, highlighting the urgent need to address the situation before services are suspended altogether. This move underscores the growing tensions between the US and Cuba, as fuel shortages threaten to cripple Cuba's crucial tourism sector, vital for its economy.

The fuel crisis has prompted additional reactions from international airlines, with Canada's flag carrier halting flights to Cuba temporarily. Other airlines have adjusted their routes to refuel at nearby Caribbean airports, reflecting the widespread impact of the situation on international travel to and from Cuba. This disruption not only affects tourists but also poses significant challenges to Cuban businesses that rely on the inflow of tourism dollars, potentially leading to broader economic repercussions.

Approximately 4,000 Russian tourists are currently in Cuba, many of whom are state employees permitted to visit the island under strict Russian travel regulations. As a longtime ally of Moscow, Cuba continues to serve as a key destination for Russian officials. The efforts to evacuate tourists raise concerns about the future of Russian tourism to Cuba and the potential fallout from continued geopolitical tensions related to US sanctions.