Trump says he has 'no problem' with Russian oil tanker bringing relief to Cuba despite blockade - NPR

NPR
March 30, 2026
3 min read

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Trump signaled White House tolerance for a Russian oil tanker delivering supplies to Cuba despite the longstanding U.S. blockade.

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President Trump said he has "no problem" with a Russian oil tanker delivering relief supplies to Cuba, effectively signaling White House tolerance for a shipment that technically circumvents the longstanding U.S. blockade of the island nation. The statement marks a potential shift in how the Trump administration will enforce sanctions and embargo policies toward Cuba, a geopolitical adversary with close ties to Russia. The Russian vessel's delivery of humanitarian aid comes as Cuba faces a severe energy crisis, and Trump's acquiescence suggests the White House may prioritize pragmatism over strict adherence to decades-old restrictions. This breaks from the hardline approach Trump previously championed toward Cuba, signaling potential flexibility on Cold War-era policies as he navigates broader U.S.-Russia relations. The signal could reshape how the Trump administration interprets and enforces the Cuban embargo going forward.

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