Trump's Decree on Cuba's Oil Blockade Slammed as 'Completely Insane' by Russian Ambassador

The decree is said to contradict international law and threaten Cuba with a 'total blockade of fuel supplies'.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Russian Ambassador to Havana Viktor Koronelli has strongly criticized US President Donald Trump's decree that introduces tariffs on countries exporting oil and petroleum products to Cuba. Koronelli called the decree "completely insane" and said it "absolutely contradicts international law." The decree is seen as effectively imposing a fuel blockade on Cuba, creating "extreme conditions" for the Cuban people.

Why it matters

The decree represents the latest escalation in tensions between the US and Cuba, with the US seeking to tighten its economic embargo on the island nation. This move is likely to further strain relations between the two countries and draw criticism from the international community.

The details

On January 29, President Trump signed a decree that allows the US to impose tariffs on goods from countries exporting oil to Cuba. The decree declares a state of emergency due to an alleged threat from Cuba. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla has strongly condemned the measures, saying they threaten Cuba with a "total blockade of fuel supplies" and "violate all principles of international trade."

  • On January 29, 2026, President Trump signed the decree introducing tariffs on oil exports to Cuba.
  • The decree declares a state of emergency due to an alleged threat from Cuba.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who signed the decree imposing tariffs on oil exports to Cuba.

Viktor Koronelli

The Russian Ambassador to Havana who criticized the decree as "completely insane" and contradicting international law.

Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla

The Cuban Foreign Minister who condemned the decree, saying it threatens Cuba with a "total blockade of fuel supplies" and violates international trade principles.

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What they’re saying

“The decree is completely insane. It absolutely contradicts international law. These are actually sanctions against third countries that trade with Cuba.”

— Viktor Koronelli, Russian Ambassador to Havana (Rossiya-24 TV channel)

“The decree provides for the possibility of introducing tariffs on countries exporting oil and petroleum products to Cuba. And the situation that has developed today is a direct result.”

— Viktor Koronelli, Russian Ambassador to Havana (Rossiya-24 TV channel)

What’s next

The international community is expected to voice its opposition to the US decree, which is seen as violating international law and further isolating Cuba.

The takeaway

This decree represents the latest escalation in the long-standing tensions between the US and Cuba, with the US seeking to tighten its economic embargo on the island nation. The move is likely to draw widespread condemnation and further strain relations between the two countries.