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Kremlin Offers Cuba Support Amid U.S. Tariff Threats

2/13/2026

Center

Kremlin Aids Cuba

The Kremlin announced discussions with Cuba regarding assistance amid U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats on oil exports to the island.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia could be insulated from these threats due to severed U.S.–Russia trade ties.
The United States has intensified pressure on Cuba since the military operation against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Mexico and Chile pledged aid to Cuba, which faces severe fuel shortages and rising food prices.
Russian airlines are repatriating citizens from Cuba due to a jet fuel crisis, with flights limited to one-way tickets.

Right

Trump's Tariff Impact

Jet fuel shortages tied to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats suspend several airlines' Cuba flights.
Canadian carriers Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat announced cancellations and will operate repatriation flights.
Cuban authorities expect aviation fuel to be unavailable until at least March 11.
A White House official urged Cuban leaders to negotiate with the United States as oil supplies withdraw, including Venezuela and Mexico.

History

Historical Context

The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 was a critical Cold War confrontation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, triggered by the deployment of Soviet missiles in Cuba. This 13-day standoff led to a U.S. trade embargo, causing exports to Cuba to drop by over 90%. Today, renewed discussions between Russia and Cuba highlight ongoing geopolitical tensions as U.S. sanctions continue to impact Cuba's economy.

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Kremlin Aids Cuba

The Kremlin announced discussions with Cuba regarding assistance amid U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats on oil exports to the island.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia could be insulated from these threats due to severed U.S.–Russia trade ties.
The United States has intensified pressure on Cuba since the military operation against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Mexico and Chile pledged aid to Cuba, which faces severe fuel shortages and rising food prices.
Russian airlines are repatriating citizens from Cuba due to a jet fuel crisis, with flights limited to one-way tickets.

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