US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he had “no problem” with a Russian oil tanker off the coast of Cuba delivering relief to the island, which has been brought to its knees by an American oil blockade.

“We have a tanker out there. We don’t mind having somebody get a boatload because they need... they have to survive,” Trump told reporters as he flew back to Washington.

When asked if a New York Times report that the tanker would be allowed to reach Cuba was true, Trump said: “I told them, if a country wants to send some oil into Cuba right now, I have no problem whether it’s Russia or not.”

Tracking data shows the oil tanker carrying approximately 730,000 barrels of oil, was just off the eastern tip of the island on Sunday night and slated to arrive in the city of Matanzas by Tuesday.

Cuban state media also reported on the boat's expected arrival, though Cuban officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The vessel, Anatoly Kolodkin, is sanctioned by the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom due to the conflict in Ukraine.

Trump, whose administration has come at its Caribbean adversary more aggressively than any US government in recent history, has effectively cut Cuba off from key oil shipments in an effort to force regime change.

The blockade has had devastating effects on the civilians Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio say they want to help, leaving many desperate.

Island-wide blackouts have roiled Cubans already grappling with years of crisis, and lack of gasoline and basic resources has crippled hospital and slashed public transport.

Experts say the anticipated shipment could produce about 180,000 barrels of diesel — enough to feed Cuba’s daily demand for nine or 10 days. (AP)



Edited by Altis Wong