Russian-flagged oil tanker Anatoly Kolodkin, carrying some 700,000 barrels of crude, approaches the area of anchorage in Matanzas, Cuba, March 31, 2026. (Photo: REUTERS/Norlys Perez)
Russian-flagged oil tanker Anatoly Kolodkin, carrying some 700,000 barrels of crude, approaches the area of anchorage in Matanzas, Cuba, March 31, 2026. (Photo: REUTERS/Norlys Perez)

"In a country facing an energy crisis and growing shortages, this support will help ​keep life-saving ​aid flowing to up to two million people in need," the EC said in a statement. The latest funding builds on 4.6 million USD previously approved by the European Union this year under a broader regional package for the Caribbean.

Last year, the EU provided Cuba nearly 6.9 million USD for disaster preparedness and emergency response. Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin on Wednesday said Cuba is Russia’s strategic partner and support for Cuba will continue. He said Russia is acting in full compliance with international maritime law.

“Our vessels sail under the Russian flag, and they are delivering humanitarian cargo to Cuba.” Earlier, the ministry reported that the Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin had arrived in Cuba with a humanitarian cargo of 100,000 tons of oil.