Russia demands ending blockade of Cuba, deputy foreign minister says

MOSCOW, April 3. /TASS/. Russia is demanding an end to the illegal blockade of Cuba. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated in an interview with the TASS Analytical Center. "We insist that Cuba's security be protected. We demand an end to the completely illegal and illegitimate blockade of the island," Ryabkov stated firmly. He expressed confidence that the anticipated outcomes Washington seeks from this embargo will not materialize in the future. On March 31, the Russian oil tanker Anatoly Kolodkin, laden with aid, arrived at the port of Matanzas. Since late January 2026, the situation in Cuba has sharply worsened. The US administration declared measures aimed at fully blocking fuel supplies to the island, leading to a severe energy crisis. In March, the country's power grid failed three times, causing extended blackouts nationwide. Cuba is now facing critical shortages of gasoline and diesel, with some foreign airlines suspending flights due to kerosene shortages at local airports.