White House says greenlight for Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba 'not a policy change'

ISTANBUL

The White House said on Monday that a recent decision to allow a Russian oil tanker to deliver crude to Cuba does not represent a shift in US sanctions policy.

Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters there had been “no formal change in sanctions policy,” saying the administration permitted the vessel to reach Cuba to address local humanitarian needs.

Asked whether more tankers could follow, she responded affirmatively, noting such decisions are being assessed individually.

She also stressed that Washington reserves the right to seize vessels headed to Cuba if legally applicable, while also retaining the right to waive such seizures on a case-by-case basis.

Asked specifically whether Russian tankers had a green light going forward, Leavitt was unequivocal: "No, that's not what I said. It's a case by case basis."

On Mexico's reported exploration of resuming shipments to Cuba, she said there had been no change in sanctions policy.

The US has been maintaining a blockade on oil shipments to Cuba since January, threatening nations sending fuel to the island and, in one instance, escorting a tanker away from Cuban waters.

The Russian tanker is carrying an estimated 730,000 barrels of crude, enough to buy Cuba at least a few weeks before its fuel reserves run out, according to reports.

The blockade has suffocated energy use in Cuba, leading to daily blackouts, severe gas shortages, soaring prices, and deteriorating medical care, according to the Times report.

Moscow said it had discussed the humanitarian shipment with Washington in advance. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia felt a responsibility to assist Cuba, describing the oil as necessary for the island's "life-support systems," including electricity generation and medical services.

"We are glad that this shipment of petroleum products has arrived on the island," he said.