Tanker carrying Russian oil enters Cuba's exclusive economic zone, ship data says

Key Takeaways

• The Anatoly Kolodkin departure from Primorsk on March 8–9 carrying ~730,000 barrels of Russian crude represents a rare lifeline for Cuba, which has received no oil imports in January and February due to U.S. sanctions and delivery halts from Venezuela and Mexico. (gosships.com)
• If the tanker proceeds to Matanzas port without deviation, it would break a three‑month hiatus in fuel deliveries to Cuba, coming at a critical moment amid rolling blackouts and shortages. Russian‑flagged tankers such as Anatoly Kolodkin are sanctioned by the U.S., EU and UK—and the journey is seen as a calculated challenge to U.S. pressure campaigns. (gosships.com)
• Another vessel, Sea Horse, carrying about 200,000 barrels of diesel, had been heading to Cuba but reportedly diverted to Trinidad & Tobago, while the fate of this shipment raises fresh questions about continued access to Russian fuel. (as.com)