A Russian tanker loaded with diesel fuel, initially bound for Cuba, failed to reach its destination after drifting in the Atlantic Ocean for several weeks. The vessel, known as Universal, was carrying approximately 270,000 barrels of diesel from Russia when it changed its course, eventually heading toward Brazil. This unexpected rerouting occurred after the tanker spent a significant amount of time adrift in the Sargasso Sea, situated northeast of the Caribbean.
Originally setting sail from the Russian port of Vistino in early April, the Universal was under the escort of Russian naval ships for part of its journey before entering the Atlantic. However, maritime tracking data revealed a change in the ship’s listed destination to “For order,” a maritime term indicating it was awaiting new directions or a final port call. The tanker is currently subject to sanctions enforced by the United States, European Union, Britain, Switzerland, and Canada.
This situation occurs against the backdrop of Cuba grappling with significant fuel shortages and persistent electricity blackouts, as pressures on fuel imports have intensified. The island has only received one shipment of oil supplies from a Russian tanker this year, which had been authorized to proceed. However, the delivered fuel quickly ran out, exacerbating Cuba’s energy crisis.
The United States has maintained its strategy of increasing economic pressure on Cuba, advocating for political and economic reforms within the country. Diplomatic tensions between Washington and Havana have heightened, especially following U.S. legal actions against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro in connection with the 1996 incident involving the Brothers to the Rescue humanitarian group. In a related development, the U.S. has also dispatched the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its strike group to the region in recent weeks.
