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Russian Diplomat: Moscow Will Not Abandon Cuba, Help With Energy
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 10, 2026
3 min readLast updated: April 10, 2026
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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov reaffirmed on April 10 in Havana that Moscow will never abandon Cuba, pledging expanded energy assistance beyond the 700,000‑barrel Anatoly Kolodkin shipment amid Washington’s embargo, and stressing Russia’s continued Western Hemisphere engagement.
Russia Assures Continued Energy Support to Cuba Despite US Embargo
Russia's Commitment to Cuba Amidst Energy Challenges
Statements from Russian Officials
April 10 (Reuters) - Russia will never abandon or betray Cuba and plans to help the Communist island tackle energy issues linked to a U.S. embargo, a Russian deputy foreign minister was quoted as saying early on Friday after talks in Havana.
Sergei Ryabkov, quoted by Russian news agencies at a news conference in the Cuban capital, also said Moscow had no intention of walking away from its interests in the Western hemisphere no matter what the United States might say.
Energy Support Beyond Recent Shipments
Ryabkov said Moscow's help for Cuba would go beyond the large shipload of oil it had sent to the island last month.
"I am certain that the events of recent weeks in our relations will have us moving forward to find solutions to the toughest problems...emerging from the illegal and absolutely unacceptable blockade of the island by the U.S.," Ryabkov was quoted as saying.
"We cannot betray Cuba. That is out of the question. We cannot leave it on its own."
Cuba's Energy Needs as a Priority
Cuba's energy needs were a priority, Ryabkov said.
"It is too early to say what the next steps will be. But it is clear we will not be limiting our supplies to the load that was aboard the tanker Anatoly Kolodkin," Ryabkov said.
Geopolitical Implications and Regional Interests
"Russia has no plans to walk away from the Western hemisphere, no matter what Washington might say," the agencies quoted him as saying. "They are obsessed with pushing Russia and China out of the region."
He said the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran "make it clear that using force, sanctions and political diktat do not produce desired results".
Details of Recent Oil Deliveries
The Russia-flagged Anatoly Kolodkin, under U.S. sanctions, arrived in Cuba last month carrying some 700,000 barrels of Russian oil - the first large delivery of crude oil since Washington moved to cut off the island's fuel supply.
The United States said it was allowing the tanker to deliver fuel for humanitarian reasons.
Historical and Diplomatic Context
Russia has been endeavouring to rekindle the close links it had with Cuba during the Soviet era and has urged the United States not to blockade the island.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez met President Vladimir Putin and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov during a visit to Moscow in February.
(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Key Takeaways
- •Ryabkov vowed that Russia would not betray or abandon Cuba, promising further energy assistance beyond the recent oil delivery by the Anatoly Kolodkin. (apnews.com)
- •The Russian‑flagged tanker Anatoly Kolodkin delivered roughly 730,000 barrels of oil to Cuba—the first such shipment in about three months—permitted by the U.S. for humanitarian reasons. (apnews.com)
- •Moscow is preparing a second oil shipment to Cuba in response to the island’s deep energy crisis, which has seen widespread blackouts and fuel shortages amid U.S. sanctions. (themoscowtimes.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Russian diplomat: Moscow will not abandon Cuba, help with energy
1Why is Russia providing energy support to Cuba?
Russia is supporting Cuba to help tackle energy issues resulting from the US embargo, reaffirming longstanding ties with the island nation.
2What did Sergei Ryabkov say about Russia's commitment to Cuba?
Sergei Ryabkov stated that Russia will never abandon Cuba and will continue helping address the country's most challenging energy problems.
3How is the United States involved in Cuba's energy crisis?
The US has imposed an embargo and recent fuel supply restrictions on Cuba, creating energy shortages that Russia is seeking to help mitigate.
4What was delivered to Cuba in the recent Russian aid?
A Russia-flagged tanker, Anatoly Kolodkin, delivered about 700,000 barrels of oil to Cuba, the first such large delivery since recent US sanctions.
5Will Russia limit its support to the recent oil shipment?
No, Russia indicated plans to expand assistance beyond the recent oil shipment to address Cuba's ongoing energy needs.
