Reports: Russia Wants to Send Cuba Oil, but Fears Trump Seizing Its Tankers

Reports from a Russian state-aligned newspaper suggest that Russia may be preparing to send oil to Cuba as the island faces a severe fuel shortage, though no timeline or official confirmation has been provided.

The report, published by Izvestia, cited comments attributed to the Russian embassy in Havana stating that oil and petroleum products are “expected” to be delivered as humanitarian assistance in the near future. However, the language of the report stopped short of confirming that a shipment is imminent.

Independent Cuban outlet 14 y Medio noted uncertainty surrounding the report, including questions about whether Cuba could afford to pay for the oil and whether Russia would provide it without compensation. Analysts also suggested Russian officials may be weighing the risk that any tanker headed to Cuba could face interception or sanctions from the United States.

Cuba is currently experiencing shortages of diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel that have disrupted transportation, aviation, and daily economic activity. Airports have reportedly warned airlines of limited jet fuel availability, leading to canceled flights and disruptions to tourism.

Oil shipments from Venezuela, which had long supplied Cuba, reportedly halted in January after political changes in Caracas. Under the leadership of Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuelan authorities have paused oil deliveries to Cuba while engaging in cooperation with the United States on energy sector rehabilitation.

President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social on January 11 that the United States would oppose any further oil or financial support to Cuba. He later signed an executive order declaring the Cuban government a national security concern and authorizing tariffs on third-party countries that ship oil to the island. The United States has also increased humanitarian aid shipments to Cuba, reportedly distributed through religious organizations.

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In two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously coordinated boarding of two “ghost fleet” tanker ships— one in the North Atlantic Sea and one in international waters near the Caribbean. Both vessels —the Motor Tanker Bella I and the Motor… pic.twitter.com/EZlHEtcufX

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 7, 2026

According to Izvestia’s report, Russian officials are aware that sending oil to Cuba could carry diplomatic risks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia is not seeking “escalation” with the United States when asked about potential assistance to Cuba.

Historically, Russian officials have emphasized that energy shipments to Cuba would require financial arrangements. In 2017, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak stated that any supplies would depend on Cuba’s ability to pay, noting, “It’s not charity.”

Separately, Ukrainian officials have claimed that Cuban nationals are among foreign fighters involved on Russia’s side in the war in Ukraine, though the scale and circumstances of their involvement remain disputed.

Recent enforcement actions by the United States have also highlighted concerns over maritime sanctions. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem recently publicized operations targeting vessels accused of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil, including a Russian-flagged tanker reportedly renamed after being seized.

The situation underscores the geopolitical tension surrounding Cuba’s fuel crisis and the broader diplomatic risks facing any country considering energy shipments to the island.

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