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U.S. Temporarily Lifts Sanctions, Allows Russian Oil to Cuba

3/30/2026

37 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Coast Guard allowed the Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin to deliver about 730,000 barrels of crude to Cuba.
This shipment marks Cuba's first oil import in more than two months.
The tanker is expected to reach Matanzas by Tuesday amid gasoline rationing and power outages.
The decision comes as the Trump administration has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russia to facilitate oil flow, despite previously enforcing effective blockade on Cuba.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. trade embargo against Cuba began in 1960, following the nationalization of American-owned properties worth over $1 billion. This embargo led to a drastic 90% reduction in U.S. oil shipments to Cuba, forcing the island to seek alternatives, including recent crude deliveries from Russia. The complexities of U.S.-Cuba relations continue to evolve, particularly under changing administrations.

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Story summary

The U.S. Coast Guard allowed the Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin to deliver about 730,000 barrels of crude to Cuba.
This shipment marks Cuba's first oil import in more than two months.
The tanker is expected to reach Matanzas by Tuesday amid gasoline rationing and power outages.
The decision comes as the Trump administration has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russia to facilitate oil flow, despite previously enforcing effective blockade on Cuba.

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