After Months of Threats, Trump Softens His Stance on Blocking Oil to Cuba
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- The United States indicated a potential easing of its effective oil blockade on Cuba, shifting from a strict stance under President Trump that threatened to punish nations supplying fuel to the island.
- White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that oil shipments to Cuba would be evaluated on a “case-by-case basis,” particularly for humanitarian reasons, without a formal change in sanctions policy.
- The Trump administration had blocked energy shipments to Cuba since January to pressure the Communist government, with Trump declaring a total cutoff of oil and money to Cuba.
- An exception was made for a Russian tanker delivering crude oil to Cuba, highlighting Russia's leverage with the U.S. and reflecting Trump’s favorable view of President Putin.
- Russian officials confirmed that the fuel shipment was coordinated with the United States and emphasized Russia’s commitment to supporting its allies in Cuba.
