The Kremlin has declared Cuba's fuel situation critical as the communist island nation implements rationing measures amid a deepening economic crisis. Russian officials accused the United States of employing suffocating tactics that are causing significant difficulties for the Caribbean nation. The Biden administration recently designated Cuba as an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security, tightening oil supply restrictions.

Cuba unveiled emergency plans on Friday to protect essential services and ration fuel after the U.S. intensified its blockade of oil shipments. The Cuban government has vowed to resist these measures despite the mounting pressure on its economy. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia maintains intensive contacts with Cuban officials through diplomatic channels and is discussing ways to provide assistance.

Russia has been a longtime ally of Cuba, repeatedly supplying oil to the island in recent years. Moscow's ambassador to Havana, Viktor Coronelli, confirmed last week that Russia would continue its energy support. The fuel crisis has raised concerns about potential disruptions to Russian tourism, though Peskov addressed these worries during his press briefing. This geopolitical tension unfolds as Russia simultaneously seeks to restore ties with Washington amid ongoing negotiations over Ukraine.