Vladimir Putin is testing Donald Trump by sending oil tankers toward communist Cuba in defiance of U.S. restrictions.
CNBC reports that two vessels carrying Russian oil and gas were initially bound for Cuba, directly challenging the Trump administration’s effort to choke off fuel supplies to the regime.
The communist island has seen its oil imports collapse after the U.S. arrested and extradited Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro back in January.
One tanker, believed to be transporting roughly 27,000 metric tons of liquefied natural gas, has since diverted to Venezuela after originally heading toward Cuba.
A second tanker, reportedly carrying around 100,000 metric tons of crude, is still en route to Cuba.
If it successfully arrives, it would be the first shipment to reach the island since a Mexican delivery in early January.
“The oil tanker ‘Sea Horse’ is on its way to Cuba with nearly 200,000 barrels of Russian fuel” – Bloomberg
This tanker is Chinese, transports Russian oil and stopped in Gibraltar to bring sanctioned oil to Cuba, which is blockaded by USA.
Global situation summarized. pic.twitter.com/N9jumcuOCx
— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) February 21, 2026
Mexico halted further shipments amid pressure from Washington, though President Claudia Sheinbaum described the move as a “sovereign decision.”
The attempted deliveries come as the Trump administration increases pressure on Cuba, warning that countries continuing to supply fuel to the regime could face consequences.
Cuba is already facing a severe energy crisis. Earlier this week, the island’s electricity grid collapsed, triggering a nationwide blackout that left more than 10 million people without power.
Echoing what he told Assad, Maduro and Iran’s Mullahs, Putin says he’s going to rescue Cuba in their “efforts to defend their sovereignty”. pic.twitter.com/6CTIIuCWNP
— Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) January 15, 2026
Energy expert Jorge Piñón said the Russian shipment would provide only limited relief.
“We’re talking about crude oil that has to be refined into liquid fuel,” he told the Associated Press. “Each product has its specific demand.”
Even if delivered, the fuel would amount to little more than a short-term supply, with diesel likely diverted to critical sectors such as agriculture and transport.
Trump has escalated his rhetoric toward Cuba in recent days and suggested the regime could collapse imminently amid rolling blackouts and widespread protests.
“Whether I free it, take it, I could do anything I want with it [if] you want to know the truth,” he said.
President Trump teases major move on Cuba amid chaos.
He says “we’ll be doing something very soon” as blackouts cripple the island and protests erupt. pic.twitter.com/i0zj3Pfj1x
— Brandon Straka #WalkAway (@BrandonStraka) March 18, 2026
His administration has also warned that it will target countries that continue to send fuel to the island.
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