Moscow: Russia says that Cuba is experiencing a severe fuel shortage and accused the United States (U.S.) of attempting to strangle the island nation’s economy through sanctions and other restrictive measures. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the fuel situation in Cuba as ‘indeed critical’ when asked about reported shortages of jet fuel and the potential impact on Russian tourists planning to leave the country. He mentioned that Moscow was maintaining intensive contact with Havana through diplomatic and other channels.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Peskov stated, “The suffocating tactics employed by the United States are indeed causing many difficulties for the country. We are discussing with our Cuban friends possible ways to resolve these problems, or at least to provide all possible assistance.” Washington has designated Cuba as ‘an unusual and extraordinary threat’ to U.S. national security, and has expressed its intention to block the island from receiving Venezuelan oil.
This development follows U.S. operations that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The U.S. has also issued threats to impose tariffs on other countries, including Mexico, if they continue supplying fuel to Cuba. Amid the shortages, Cuban authorities have warned international airlines that jet fuel would not be available on the island starting from Tuesday.