Russia is dispatching a second crude oil tanker to Cuba, 730,000 barrels in capacity, after the Kremlin sent a first shipment earlier this week. This move directly challenges the U.S. blockade that prevented other nations from delivering fuel to the island for nearly three months. The blockade was part of President Trump's campaign to pressure Cuba's communist government. Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilyov confirmed the second shipment, signaling further diplomatic softening by the Trump administration amid ongoing negotiations.

The U.S. Coast Guard allowed the first tanker to dock for humanitarian reasons, though Washington has not confirmed approval for the second vessel.