"A Russian vessel has breached the blockade. A second ship is currently being loaded. We will not abandon the Cuban people in this difficult situation," Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev announced today. He stated that an "important meeting" was held in St. Petersburg on 1/4, with Cuban representatives in attendance.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated on 1/4 that Cuba is the country's "closest friend and partner" in the Caribbean, and Moscow "will not abandon" Havana. "Support for Cuba will continue," the official added. Zakharova affirmed Russia's solidarity with Cuba and urged the United States to lift its "blockade against an independent, sovereign nation."

Since January, the United States has blocked most oil supplies from Venezuela and Mexico to Cuba. This has caused an energy shortage in the island nation, leading to power outages and soaring food and transportation prices.

Russia's Anatoly Kolodkin oil tanker at Matanzas port in northwestern Cuba on 31/3. *AFP*

A Russian vessel carrying 730,000 barrels of crude oil arrived at Matanzas port in Cuba on 31/3. This delivered the nation's first oil shipment since January.

The White House stated that the US Coast Guard did not block the Russian oil tanker bound for Cuba, citing humanitarian needs. It added that such decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. The Kremlin confirmed prior discussions with the United States regarding oil shipments to Cuba.

Cuba's Foreign Ministry thanked Russia for its gesture of solidarity, stating that the "valuable support comes amidst a US energy blockade." Irenaldo Perez, deputy director of Cuba's state oil company CUPET, explained that the Russian crude oil will be refined to produce gasoline, diesel, and fuel for backup generators.

By Pham Giang (According to TASS, AFP, Al Jazeera)