Russian officials on Monday described the fuel shortage in Cuba as “critical,” stating that the Kremlin is discussing potential assistance for the island nation. The statements came as Cuban officials criticized United States sanctions, which they identified as the cause of the widespread energy crisis.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow that “the situation is really critical in Cuba,” attributing the difficulties to “suffocating measures imposed by the United States.” Peskov confirmed that Russia is discussing “possible solutions” to provide assistance to Havana.
Separately, in a statement on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed Moscow’s “solidarity with the people of Venezuela and Cuba,” adding, “We are convinced that only they can determine their own destiny.”
The fuel shortages have prompted the Cuban government to enact emergency measures. These include limiting fuel sales, implementing a four-day work week for some state companies, closing universities, and reducing school hours. The government also informed international airlines that it would be unable to guarantee the availability of jet fuel. In response, Air Canada announced on Monday the suspension of its flights to Cuba, citing the fuel shortage.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez addressed the situation on Monday, calling the U.S. actions “cruel aggression” intended to “break the political will of the Cuban people.” While acknowledging the challenges, Rodriguez reiterated Cuba’s “willingness to engage in dialogue” under its own conditions. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has previously stated that the country is open to talks with the U.S. but not under pressure.
The current shortages follow U.S. actions to restrict oil shipments to Cuba. The U.S. has also indicated it would consider imposing tariffs on other countries that supply fuel to the island. A recent executive order from U.S. President Donald Trump described Cuba as “an unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security.
Other international figures have also commented on the situation. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum told reporters that sanctions harming the Cuban people were “not right” and stated that Mexico would continue its support. “We will continue supporting them and taking all necessary diplomatic actions,” Sheinbaum said.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also warned of a potential humanitarian “collapse” in Cuba if the country’s energy needs are not met, according to previous reports.
