Russia urges to lift blockade of Cuba, says Russian diplomat

MOSCOW, April 3. /TASS/. Russia urges to immediately lift the illegal blockade of Cuba, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told TASS. "We insist that Cuba's security be ensured. We urge for the lifting of the absolutely unlawful, illegitimate blockade imposed on the island," he said in an interview with TASS. The situation in Cuba sharply worsened in late January, after the United States announced measures aimed at blocking all oil supplies to the island. The energy situation became critical. In March, the national power grid failed three times, most recently on March 21, resulting in long periods of power outages across the country. Cuba is experiencing severe shortages of gasoline and diesel fuel, as well as shortages of food and medications. Several foreign airlines have announced the suspension of their flights to the republic due to a lack of aviation kerosene, or jet fuel, at its airports.