Russia is preparing to send a shipment of oil and petroleum products to Cuba, as confirmed by the Russian embassy in Havana. This decision comes as Cuba experiences one of its worst energy crises in years, primarily due to the United States' intensified efforts to cut off the island's energy supplies. The situation deteriorated significantly after the US forces kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January, leading to a disruption of oil supplies from Venezuela, which has been a crucial supplier for Cuba.

The US response to this crisis included threats of sanctions against any country supplying oil to Cuba, which led to Mexico halting its crude oil shipments to the island. The economic embargo imposed by the US on Cuba since the 1960s has further complicated the situation. The Russian embassy highlighted that despite the ongoing acute shortage of oil and petroleum products in Cuba, the current energy crisis has been exacerbated by the disruption of Venezuelan oil supplies, making Russian intervention all the more critical at this time.

Russia’s support for Cuba with oil supplies not only emphasizes the strengthening ties between the two nations, but it also represents a significant geopolitical maneuver in response to US foreign policy. By providing support to Cuba, Russia aims to counterbalance US influence in Latin America, while also securing a foothold in a region traditionally affected by American dominance. This move could have lasting implications for energy politics in the region and could lead to increased tensions between the US and Russia as they navigate their competing interests in the Western Hemisphere.