Russia has announced plans to transport crude oil and fuels to Cuba amid escalating tensions with the United States, which has been attempting to stifle Cuba's energy supply through tariffs on exporting nations. According to Sergei Ryabkov, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, this support highlights the Kremlin's commitment to aid Cuba amidst the ongoing economic crisis in the country, exacerbated by tight US sanctions.

The Russian newspaper Izvestija reports that preparations are already underway for the shipment of oil, signaling a significant move against US efforts to isolate Cuba economically. Dmitri Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, previously accused the US of attempting to 'suffocate' Cuba through sanctions, which have led to shortages not only in energy but also food supplies within the nation.

Pertti Pesonen, a foreign correspondent for Yle, describes the current financial situation in Cuba as the worst economic crisis the nation has faced, underlining the implications of external support from Russia in light of the increasing hardships inflicted by US policies. The strategic partnership between Russia and Cuba may be seen as a direct challenge to US influence in the region, potentially altering the geopolitical dynamics within Latin America.