Russia has confirmed its intention to send a second tanker of crude oil to Cuba, a government official announced on Thursday. This development follows the arrival of a prior Russian oil shipment earlier this week, which reached the island nation despite previous U.S. restrictions on fuel deliveries.

For nearly three months, the United States had implemented measures preventing countries from dispatching oil to Cuba. This initiative was part of a broader U.S. pressure campaign against the Cuban government, with President Trump reportedly threatening tariffs and a potential takeover of the country.

Cuba has experienced severe energy shortages since January, following U.S. actions that led to the capture of Venezuela's president and control over its oil exports. Historically, Venezuela and Mexico have been Cuba's primary oil suppliers. The resulting fuel scarcity has caused frequent power outages and significantly impacted essential services, including healthcare and waste management.

The arrival of the initial Russian tanker, carrying an estimated 730,000 barrels of oil, offered a temporary reprieve for Cuba's energy crisis. The U.S. Coast Guard allowed the vessel to dock on Monday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Monday that the United States would assess future oil shipments to Cuba on a "case-by-case basis," citing "humanitarian reasons" for permitting the first delivery. However, Leavitt also emphasized that there has been "no firm change in our sanctions policy."

On Thursday, Russia's energy minister, Sergei Tsivilyov, confirmed plans for the second tanker, telling reporters via state news agency Tass that Russia "won’t abandon the Cubans." When questioned about the second tanker on Thursday, the White House declined to confirm whether it would permit the vessel to dock. Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz expressed gratitude to Russia on social media, thanking the country for its "expressions of solidarity and support" amidst what he described as "measures of asphyxiation imposed by the United States."