Russia says will continue helping Cuba after first oil shipment arrives

Al Jazeera
April 1, 2026
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3 min read

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Russia pledges continued assistance to Cuba following arrival of first Russian oil shipment to the island.

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Russia's Foreign Ministry, through spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, pledged continued assistance to Cuba following the arrival of the first Russian oil shipment to the island nation. The statement underscores deepening Russian-Cuban ties as Moscow expands economic support to countries facing Western sanctions and isolation. Zakharova simultaneously called on the United States to lift its longstanding energy blockade on Cuba, framing Russian aid as a counter to American pressure on the Caribbean nation. The oil shipment represents a tangible shift in Russia's engagement with Cuba at a time when both countries face international economic restrictions. The move signals Moscow's willingness to provide strategic resources to allies while directly challenging U.S. policy toward the region.

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Russia has delivered the first oil shipment to Cuba and pledged continued economic assistance.

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