A Russian oil tanker arrived at a Cuban port on Tuesday (March 31), marking the first shipment of crude oil to the country since January after the United States eased blocks imposed on the island.&nbsp;The Anatoly Kolodkin docked in the western part of Matanzas with an estimated 730,000 barrels of crude after the Trump administration allowed a ship under US sanctions to enter the island.&nbsp;Cuban citizens and Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy expressed relief over the arrival of the ship, as a shortage of petroleum had prompted an energy crisis marked by prolonged blackouts and a severe shortage of food and medicine. It also worsened the already weakened economy.&nbsp;“Our gratitude to the Government and People of Russia for all the support we are receiving. A valuable shipment that arrives amidst the complex energy situation we are facing,” de la O Levy wrote on X.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-pakistan-put-forward-5-point-proposal-for-gulf-and-west-asia-amid-iran-war-here-s-what-it-says-1774966012766">China, Pakistan put forward 5-point proposal for Gulf and West Asia amid Iran war. Here’s what it says</a>&nbsp;The Trump administration enforced a strict energy blockade on Cuba in early 2026 as a main pillar of its “maximum pressure” campaign, aimed at destabilising the Cuban government and forcing political change.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the US president continued his “Cuba is next” warnings as he called on Havana to “make a deal before it’s too late,” suggesting that a friendly takeover or total collapse of the regime is imminent.&nbsp;However, shifting his stance on Sunday, Trump said he had “no problem” with a Russian oil tanker off the coast of Cuba delivering relief to the island.&nbsp;“We don’t mind somebody getting a boatload because they need it… they have to survive,” Trump said.&nbsp;“Cuba’s finished,” he added. “They have a bad regime. They have very bad and corrupt leadership, and whether or not they get a boat of oil, it’s not going to matter.”&nbsp;“Our gratitude to the Government and People of Russia for all the support we are receiving. A valuable shipment that arrives amidst the complex energy situation we are facing,” de la O Levy wrote on X.

Cuban citizens and Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy expressed relief over the arrival of the ship, as a shortage of petroleum had prompted an energy crisis marked by prolonged blackouts and a severe shortage of food and medicine.

A Russian oil tanker arrived at a Cuban port on Tuesday (March 31), marking the first shipment of crude oil to the country since January after the United States eased blocks imposed on the island. The Anatoly Kolodkin docked in the western part of Matanzas with an estimated 730,000 barrels of crude after the Trump administration allowed a ship under US sanctions to enter the island. Cuban citizens and Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy expressed relief over the arrival of the ship, as a shortage of petroleum had prompted an energy crisis marked by prolonged blackouts and a severe shortage of food and medicine. It also worsened the already weakened economy. “Our gratitude to the Government and People of Russia for all the support we are receiving. A valuable shipment that arrives amidst the complex energy situation we are facing,” de la O Levy wrote on X. Also Read: China, Pakistan put forward 5-point proposal for Gulf and West Asia amid Iran war. Here’s what it says The Trump administration enforced a strict energy blockade on Cuba in early 2026 as a main pillar of its “maximum pressure” campaign, aimed at destabilising the Cuban government and forcing political change. Meanwhile, the US president continued his “Cuba is next” warnings as he called on Havana to “make a deal before it’s too late,” suggesting that a friendly takeover or total collapse of the regime is imminent. However, shifting his stance on Sunday, Trump said he had “no problem” with a Russian oil tanker off the coast of Cuba delivering relief to the island. “We don’t mind somebody getting a boatload because they need it… they have to survive,” Trump said. “Cuba’s finished,” he added. “They have a bad regime. They have very bad and corrupt leadership, and whether or not they get a boat of oil, it’s not going to matter.” “Our gratitude to the Government and People of Russia for all the support we are receiving. A valuable shipment that arrives amidst the complex energy situation we are facing,” de la O Levy wrote on X.

Cuban citizens and Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy expressed relief over the arrival of the ship, as a shortage of petroleum had prompted an energy crisis marked by prolonged blackouts and a severe shortage of food and medicine.

First oil shipment reaches Cuba in three months as US allows Russian ship to dock

Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío has said that his country’s military is preparing to tackle a possible military aggression from the United States and stressed that Cuba’s leaders would be “naive” to ignore the possibility of conflict with the US. “Our military is always prepared, and in fact, it is preparing these days for the possibility of military aggression,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío in an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that was aired on Sunday.&nbsp;“We would be naïve not to consider the possibility of conflict looking at what’s happening around the world,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-urges-europe-to-join-fight-against-iran-cites-long-range-missile-attack-1774181563562">Netanyahu urges Europe to join fight against Iran, cites long-range missile attack</a>&nbsp;The country’s leaders “truly hope that it doesn’t occur. We don’t see why it would have to occur, and we find no justification whatsoever,” Fernández de Cossío said.&nbsp;The comments assume significance as there is an escalation in tensions between the US and Cuba after the military operation in Venezuela and capture of President Nicolas Maduro, who had close ties with Cuba’s leadership.&nbsp;In a press conference after the operation, President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had warned that military intervention in Cuba could be next. Rubio had said at the time, “If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I’d be concerned.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-halt-military-action-first-iran-s-president-calls-on-india-chaired-brics-to-play-role-in-halting-aggression-1774116854054">‘Halt military action first’: Iran's president calls on India-chaired BRICS to play role in halting aggression</a>&nbsp;Fernández de Cossío said the oil blockade is the result of the US’ aggression against Cuba and it “cannot be sustained forever.”Power grids in Cuba collapsed on Saturday, leaving the country without electricity for a third time in March.&nbsp;“What’s happening today is that the US is threatening with coercive measures countries that might export fuel to Cuba, and that’s the reason why Cuba has not received fuel for a long time,” the deputy foreign minister said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier this month, Trump said that Cuba “is going to fall pretty soon” and its leaders “want to make a deal so badly.” Later in the month, Trump told reporters, he would have the “honour” of taking Cuba, saying “I think I could do anything I want with it.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-if-america-attacks-pakistan-we-ll-target-delhi-and-mumbai-in-india-says-former-high-commissioner-abdul-basit-1774109240302">‘If America attacks Pakistan, we’ll target Delhi and Mumbai in India,’ says former high commissioner Abdul Basit</a>&nbsp;The comments came just a few days after Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canal acknowledged that Cuban leaders were in talks with US leaders to make a deal and avoid military conflict.Responding to Trump’s comments about having the “honour” to take over Cuba, de Cossio said, “We don’t know what they’re talking about. But I can tell you this, Cuba is a sovereign country and has the right to be a sovereign country.”Fernández de Cossío also responded to comments Rubio made at the White House this week, telling reporters, “They’re in a lot of trouble, and the people in charge are, they don’t know how to fix it, so they have to get new people in charge.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-condemns-iran-s-reckless-attacks-on-diego-garcia-terms-them-threat-to-british-interests-and-allies-1774096515620">UK condemns Iran’s ‘reckless attack’ on Diego Garcia, terms it ‘threat to British interests and allies’</a>&nbsp;The Cuban deputy foreign minister insisted that regime change was not on the table in talks between the two nations.“The nature of the Cuban government, the structure of the Cuban government, and the members of the Cuban government are not part of the negotiation. That is something that no sovereign country negotiates,” he added.&nbsp;On being asked if Cuban leaders would allow more than one political party to operate in the country, Fernández de Cossío said, “The US has only two political parties that can go to government. Are they ready to negotiate, to have 10 with equal possibilities of getting to the presidency, of getting in Congress?”

Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister Fernández de Cossío said that regime change was not on the table in the ongoing negotiations with the United States, adding that it is something that no sovereign country negotiates.

Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío has said that his country’s military is preparing to tackle a possible military aggression from the United States and stressed that Cuba’s leaders would be “naive” to ignore the possibility of conflict with the US. “Our military is always prepared, and in fact, it is preparing these days for the possibility of military aggression,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío in an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that was aired on Sunday. “We would be naïve not to consider the possibility of conflict looking at what’s happening around the world,” he added. Also Read: Netanyahu urges Europe to join fight against Iran, cites long-range missile attack The country’s leaders “truly hope that it doesn’t occur. We don’t see why it would have to occur, and we find no justification whatsoever,” Fernández de Cossío said. The comments assume significance as there is an escalation in tensions between the US and Cuba after the military operation in Venezuela and capture of President Nicolas Maduro, who had close ties with Cuba’s leadership. In a press conference after the operation, President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had warned that military intervention in Cuba could be next. Rubio had said at the time, “If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I’d be concerned.” Also Read: ‘Halt military action first’: Iran's president calls on India-chaired BRICS to play role in halting aggression Fernández de Cossío said the oil blockade is the result of the US’ aggression against Cuba and it “cannot be sustained forever.” Power grids in Cuba collapsed on Saturday, leaving the country without electricity for a third time in March. “What’s happening today is that the US is threatening with coercive measures countries that might export fuel to Cuba, and that’s the reason why Cuba has not received fuel for a long time,” the deputy foreign minister said. Earlier this month, Trump said that Cuba “is going to fall pretty soon” and its leaders “want to make a deal so badly.” Later in the month, Trump told reporters, he would have the “honour” of taking Cuba, saying “I think I could do anything I want with it.” Also Read: ‘If America attacks Pakistan, we’ll target Delhi and Mumbai in India,’ says former high commissioner Abdul Basit The comments came just a few days after Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canal acknowledged that Cuban leaders were in talks with US leaders to make a deal and avoid military conflict. Responding to Trump’s comments about having the “honour” to take over Cuba, de Cossio said, “We don’t know what they’re talking about. But I can tell you this, Cuba is a sovereign country and has the right to be a sovereign country.” Fernández de Cossío also responded to comments Rubio made at the White House this week, telling reporters, “They’re in a lot of trouble, and the people in charge are, they don’t know how to fix it, so they have to get new people in charge.” Also Read: UK condemns Iran’s ‘reckless attack’ on Diego Garcia, terms it ‘threat to British interests and allies’ The Cuban deputy foreign minister insisted that regime change was not on the table in talks between the two nations. “The nature of the Cuban government, the structure of the Cuban government, and the members of the Cuban government are not part of the negotiation. That is something that no sovereign country negotiates,” he added. On being asked if Cuban leaders would allow more than one political party to operate in the country, Fernández de Cossío said, “The US has only two political parties that can go to government. Are they ready to negotiate, to have 10 with equal possibilities of getting to the presidency, of getting in Congress?”

Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister Fernández de Cossío said that regime change was not on the table in the ongoing negotiations with the United States, adding that it is something that no sovereign country negotiates.

‘Cuba’s military preparing for possible US military aggression,’ says deputy foreign minister

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Tuesday (Mar 17) warned that any external aggressor will be met with “unbreakable resistance” amid “almost daily” threats made by US President Donald Trump to overthrow the constitutional order of the communist island nation. This comes after repeated threats made by Trump suggesting a takeover of the South American nation.“#The US publicly threatens #Cuba, almost daily, with overthrowing the constitutional order by force. And it uses an outrageous pretext: the harsh limitations of the weakened economy that they have attacked and sought to isolate for more than six decades,” Diaz-Canel wrote on X.“They intend and announce plans to seize the country, its resources, its properties, and even the very economy they seek to strangle to make us surrender,” he added. “Only in this way can the fierce economic war be explained, which is applied as collective punishment against the entire people.”He further said, “Faced with the worst-case scenario, Cuba has one guarantee: any external aggressor will encounter an unbreakable resistance.”Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on late Tuesday (Mar 17) denied a report suggesting that US officials have urged Cuba to oust its leader. Calling the New York Times report “fake”, Rubio said, “The reason so many in US media keep putting out fake stories like this one is because they continue to rely on charlatans &amp; liars claiming to be in the know as their sources.”The newspaper reported on Monday (Mar 16) that US officials under Trump have asked Cuba to remove its president, but have not pushed for a complete toppling of the communist government. It added that US officials viewed Diaz-Canel as a hardliner who would not institute change. The report added that the US had not issued an ultimatum for his removal.Earlier on Monday (Mar 16), the US president suggested he could “take” Cuba, as the island nation plunged into a nationwide blackout triggered by a deepening fuel crisis linked to Washington’s oil pressure campaign.

Cuba’s president warns of “unbreakable resistance” to US threats after Donald Trump’s remarks about taking over the island, amid rising tensions and a deepening economic crisis.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Tuesday (Mar 17) warned that any external aggressor will be met with “unbreakable resistance” amid “almost daily” threats made by US President Donald Trump to overthrow the constitutional order of the communist island nation. This comes after repeated threats made by Trump suggesting a takeover of the South American nation. “#The US publicly threatens #Cuba, almost daily, with overthrowing the constitutional order by force. And it uses an outrageous pretext: the harsh limitations of the weakened economy that they have attacked and sought to isolate for more than six decades,” Diaz-Canel wrote on X. “They intend and announce plans to seize the country, its resources, its properties, and even the very economy they seek to strangle to make us surrender,” he added. “Only in this way can the fierce economic war be explained, which is applied as collective punishment against the entire people.” He further said, “Faced with the worst-case scenario, Cuba has one guarantee: any external aggressor will encounter an unbreakable resistance.” Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on late Tuesday (Mar 17) denied a report suggesting that US officials have urged Cuba to oust its leader. Calling the New York Times report “fake”, Rubio said, “The reason so many in US media keep putting out fake stories like this one is because they continue to rely on charlatans & liars claiming to be in the know as their sources.” The newspaper reported on Monday (Mar 16) that US officials under Trump have asked Cuba to remove its president, but have not pushed for a complete toppling of the communist government. It added that US officials viewed Diaz-Canel as a hardliner who would not institute change. The report added that the US had not issued an ultimatum for his removal. Earlier on Monday (Mar 16), the US president suggested he could “take” Cuba, as the island nation plunged into a nationwide blackout triggered by a deepening fuel crisis linked to Washington’s oil pressure campaign.

Cuba’s president warns of “unbreakable resistance” to US threats after Donald Trump’s remarks about taking over the island, amid rising tensions and a deepening economic crisis.

‘Any external aggressor will encounter...’: Cuba slams Trump’s ‘almost daily’ threats

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he could “take” Cuba, as the island nation plunged into a nationwide blackout triggered by a deepening fuel crisis linked to Washington’s oil pressure campaign. He said he believes he'll have the "honour of taking Cuba". Trump's latest statement on the US "taking" a neighbouring nation comes after America captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, and as the nation, for the 18th day, remains engaged in a war with Iran.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-friendly-takeover-of-another-us-neighbour-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-cuba-us-cuba-nicolas-maduro-1772259439086">Trump threatens 'friendly takeover' of another US neighbour. Here's all you need to know</a><h2>When will the US 'take' Iran?</h2>“You know, all my life I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it?” Trump told reporters at the White House. “I do believe I’ll be… having the honour of taking Cuba,” he added, before going further.Referring to Cuba, which is currently facing a total power blackout linked to a crippling oil embargo imposed by Washington as a "weakened nation" he forebodingly added, "Whether I free it, take it, I think I could do anything I want with it." This marked one of Trump's most explicit threats against the communist ruled nation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-s-a-question-of-time-trump-vows-to-turn-us-focus-to-cuba-once-iran-conflict-is-finished-israel-tehran-carribean-island-1772759431337">'It's a question of time': Trump vows to turn US focus to THIS neighbour once Iran war is 'finished'</a><h2>US wants a regime change in Cuba?</h2>As the US and Cuba hold talks on the island nation's future, Trump has told administration officials that he wants President Miguel Diaz-Canel removed from power. According to a New York Times report, Trump is looking to topple the leftist Diaz-Canal but is open to letting the communist government hold onto power.<h2>Blackout in Cuba</h2>This comes as Cuba’s national power grid collapsed, leaving much of the country without electricity.Union Nacional Electrica de Cuba (UNE) in a statement described it as a “complete shutdown of the national grid,” with efforts underway to restore supply. Power cuts have become routine across the island in recent months, with some regions facing outages lasting up to 20 hours a day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Declaring that he can do "anything I want" with a "weakened nation," President Donald Trump has signalled that Cuba is the next target in his global campaign of reasserting American power. Here's what he said.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he could “take” Cuba, as the island nation plunged into a nationwide blackout triggered by a deepening fuel crisis linked to Washington’s oil pressure campaign. He said he believes he'll have the "honour of taking Cuba". Trump's latest statement on the US "taking" a neighbouring nation comes after America captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, and as the nation, for the 18th day, remains engaged in a war with Iran. Also read | Trump threatens 'friendly takeover' of another US neighbour. Here's all you need to know When will the US 'take' Iran? “You know, all my life I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it?” Trump told reporters at the White House. “I do believe I’ll be… having the honour of taking Cuba,” he added, before going further. Referring to Cuba, which is currently facing a total power blackout linked to a crippling oil embargo imposed by Washington as a "weakened nation" he forebodingly added, "Whether I free it, take it, I think I could do anything I want with it." This marked one of Trump's most explicit threats against the communist ruled nation. Also read | 'It's a question of time': Trump vows to turn US focus to THIS neighbour once Iran war is 'finished' US wants a regime change in Cuba? As the US and Cuba hold talks on the island nation's future, Trump has told administration officials that he wants President Miguel Diaz-Canel removed from power. According to a New York Times report, Trump is looking to topple the leftist Diaz-Canal but is open to letting the communist government hold onto power. Blackout in Cuba This comes as Cuba’s national power grid collapsed, leaving much of the country without electricity. Union Nacional Electrica de Cuba (UNE) in a statement described it as a “complete shutdown of the national grid,” with efforts underway to restore supply. Power cuts have become routine across the island in recent months, with some regions facing outages lasting up to 20 hours a day.

Declaring that he can do "anything I want" with a "weakened nation," President Donald Trump has signalled that Cuba is the next target in his global campaign of reasserting American power. Here's what he said.

'I can do anything I want with it': Trump brags of Cuba’s collapse as a complete blackout hits 9.6 million people

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First oil shipment reaches Cuba in three months as US allows Russian ship to dock

‘Cuba’s military preparing for possible US military aggression,’ says deputy FM

‘External aggressor will encounter..’: Cuba slams Trump’s ‘almost daily’ threats

I can do anything I want: Trump eyes next conquest as Cuba plunges into blackout