A Russian tanker named Universal, carrying about 270,000 barrels of diesel fuel, has altered its course after initially setting sail for Cuba. Departing from Russia in April, the tanker spent several weeks drifting in the Sargasso Sea before changing direction towards Brazil. This change in course comes amidst severe fuel shortages and persistent electricity blackouts in Cuba, which have been exacerbated by intensified pressure on the island’s fuel imports.
Maritime tracking data showed that the Universal’s listed destination was modified to “For order,” indicating that the vessel was awaiting new instructions or a final destination. The tanker is subject to sanctions from the United States, the European Union, Britain, Switzerland, and Canada. Reports suggest that the ship left the Russian port of Vistino in early April, accompanied by Russian naval vessels for parts of its voyage until it entered the Atlantic Ocean.
Cuba’s fuel crisis has been further aggravated as only one Russian tanker has reportedly managed to deliver oil supplies to the island this year after gaining the necessary authorization. Those supplies have since been depleted, adding to the country’s energy challenges. The United States continues to apply economic pressure on Cuba, advocating for political and economic reforms.
In addition to these developments, tensions between Washington and Havana have intensified following U.S. legal actions against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro regarding the 1996 shootdown incident involving the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue. Moreover, in recent weeks, the U.S. has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its accompanying strike group toward the region, further highlighting the growing friction.