Finance
Russia Vows to Help Cuba Withstand US 'blackmail and Threats'
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 24, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 24, 2026
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Russia reaffirmed support for Cuba amid U.S. pressure, promising continued humanitarian aid and challenging a U.S. fuel blockade. A Russian tanker delivered around 700,000 barrels of crude to alleviate Cuba’s worsening energy crisis.
Russia Reaffirms Humanitarian and Economic Support to Cuba Amid US Threats
Russia's Ongoing Support for Cuba in the Face of US Pressure
Solidarity and Humanitarian Aid
MOSCOW, April 24 (Reuters) - Russia said on Friday that it stood in solidarity with Cuba and would continue to provide humanitarian aid to the Communist‑run island republic, rejecting what it described as blackmail and threats from Washington.
US Demands and Political Tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump has said that he expects to have the honour of "taking Cuba", though at the same time Washington has been calling for Havana to open up the economy and allow greater political freedoms.
Russian Foreign Ministry's Response
"Against the backdrop of the targeted and malicious escalation against Cuba, we reaffirm our solidarity with the Cuban government and the Cuban people," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters.
"We reject blackmail and threats in foreign policy, which also applies to Washington's current demonstrative aggressive pressure on Havana with the aim of gross interference in Cuba's internal affairs in order to break Cuban statehood."
Historical and Economic Ties
Cuba was a close ally of Moscow for decades, from the Communist revolution in 1959 that brought Fidel Castro to power until the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. More recently, Russia has supported the island with both financing and material goods.
Commitment to Continued Assistance
"Russia and Cuba have a close historical relationship. We have always been on the side of Cuba in its struggle for independence, in its right to live by its own rules, develop on its own path and defend its own interests," Zakharova said.
"We will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Cuba during this difficult period of artificially fueled confrontation."
Recent Economic Actions and US Response
The Russian-flagged Anatoly Kolodkin tanker offloaded some 700,000 barrels of Russian Urals crude in late March at Cuba's Matanzas Bay, challenging a U.S. fuel blockade. The Trump administration said it allowed the delivery for "humanitarian" reasons.
(Reporting by Filipp Lebedev and Maxim Rodionov, Writing by Anna Peverieri and Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
Key Takeaways
- •Russia condemned U.S. “blackmail and threats,” pledging solidarity and humanitarian assistance to Cuba.
- •The Russian‑flagged tanker Anatoly Kolodkin delivered approximately 700,000 barrels of Urals crude to Matanzas Bay, Cuba’s first major oil supply in months.
- •The delivery underscores Moscow’s role in sustaining Cuba’s energy needs amid a U.S. blockade, offering only temporary relief to an ongoing crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Russia vows to help Cuba withstand US 'blackmail and threats'
1How is Russia supporting Cuba amid US sanctions?
Russia is providing humanitarian aid, financing, and material goods to Cuba, including recent shipments of crude oil, despite US sanctions.
2What has the Russian government said about US policy towards Cuba?
Russian officials have rejected US blackmail and threats, accusing Washington of aggressive pressure and interference in Cuba's internal affairs.
3Has there been recent Russian humanitarian aid delivered to Cuba?
Yes, a Russian-flagged tanker recently delivered 700,000 barrels of crude oil to Cuba, in an act that challenged the US fuel blockade.
4Why does Russia support Cuba?
Russia cites a long-standing historical relationship and supports Cuba’s right to independence, self-determination, and development on its own path.
