Trump says he has 'no problem' with Russian tanker bringing oil to Cuba despite blockade

President dismisses concerns that allowing the shipment would help Russian President Vladimir Putin

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:14am

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President Trump said he has 'no problem' with a Russian oil tanker delivering relief to Cuba, which has been brought to its knees by a U.S. oil blockade. The tanker, carrying approximately 730,000 barrels of oil, was expected to arrive in Cuba on Tuesday. Trump dismissed the idea that allowing the boat to reach Cuba would help Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying 'It doesn't help him. He loses one boatload of oil, that's all it is.'

Why it matters

The U.S. blockade of Cuba has had devastating effects on the island's civilians, leaving many desperate and without basic resources like gasoline and electricity. Trump's comments signal a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Cuba, which has long been a geopolitical battleground between the U.S. and Russia.

The details

The oil tanker, named Anatoly Kolodkin, is sanctioned by the U.S., EU, and UK following the war in Ukraine. Trump's government has come down harder on Cuba than any recent U.S. administration, effectively cutting the island off from key oil shipments in an effort to force regime change. Experts say the anticipated shipment could produce about 180,000 barrels of diesel, enough to feed Cuba's daily demand for 9-10 days.

  • The tanker was just off the eastern tip of Cuba on Sunday night and slated to arrive in Matanzas by Tuesday.
  • Two sailboats carrying aid to Cuba as part of the Nuestra América Convoy landed in Havana on Saturday after going missing following their March 20 departure.

The players

President Trump

The current President of the United States who has taken a hardline stance against Cuba, implementing a blockade that has had devastating effects on the island's civilians.

Vladimir Putin

The President of Russia, whose country is sending the oil tanker to Cuba in defiance of the U.S. blockade.

Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State who, along with Trump, has targeted Cuba in an effort to force regime change.

Anatoly Kolodkin

The Russian oil tanker carrying approximately 730,000 barrels of oil to Cuba, which is sanctioned by the U.S., EU, and UK.

Adnaan Stumo

The coordinator of the Nuestra América Convoy, a group that set out from Mexico to deliver aid to Cuba in defiance of the U.S. blockade.

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What they’re saying

“If a country wants to send some oil into Cuba right now, I have no problem whether it's Russia or not.”

— President Trump

“We arrive with a simple but powerful message: solidarity with the Cuban people doesn't stop at borders. It crosses oceans.”

— Adnaan Stumo, Coordinator of the Nuestra América Convoy

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.