With an approximate cargo of 100,000 tonnes of oil, the Russian vessel Anatoli Kolodkin has arrived in Cuba to be unloaded at the port of the western province of Matanzas, reported the Ministry of Transport of the Eurasian country.

The cargo, which sailed under the Russian flag and without military escort, was initially accompanied by a warship of that nation’s navy, but continued its journey alone after entering the Atlantic Ocean.

This is the first oil shipment received by Cuba in three months, following pressure from the United States Government on Venezuela and Mexico to reduce or halt supplies to the archipelago.

The interruption of supply has deteriorated the energy system of the largest island in the Antilles, affecting the provision of essential services and economic activities.

In this context, Russian support presents itself as a necessary relief, as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov have reiterated Moscow’s solidarity with the Cuban Government.

Peskov stressed that Russian authorities are discussing mechanisms to help Cuba in what they described as a «difficult situation», and expressed their willingness to provide «all possible aid.»

Amidst a context of severe blockade against the archipelago, the oil cargo is considered vital for the functioning of medical services and electricity generation in Cuba, a demonstration of the good state of relations between the two countries.