Story perspectives

Sanctioned Russian Tanker Skips Cuba, Deepens Diesel Shortage

5/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Russian-flagged tanker Universal, about 260,000 barrels of diesel, has abandoned its planned Cuba route and is heading south.
The vessel left Vistino in early April and is under U.S., European Union (EU), UK, Swiss and Canadian sanctions.
Analysts say heightened U.S. surveillance and sanctions pressure stalled Universal, leaving Cuba with diesel shortages and rolling blackouts after the earlier 730,000-barrel crude delivery by Anatoly Kolodkin was exhausted by late April.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Russian-flagged tanker Universal, about 260,000 barrels of diesel, has abandoned its planned Cuba route and is heading south.
The vessel left Vistino in early April and is under U.S., European Union (EU), UK, Swiss and Canadian sanctions.
Analysts say heightened U.S. surveillance and sanctions pressure stalled Universal, leaving Cuba with diesel shortages and rolling blackouts after the earlier 730,000-barrel crude delivery by Anatoly Kolodkin was exhausted by late April.