White House Clarifies Russian Oil Tanker Access to Cuba
ISTANBUL – The White House emphasized on Monday that its recent decision to allow a Russian oil tanker to deliver crude to Cuba does not signal a change in US sanctions policy.
Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters that there has been “no formal change in sanctions policy.” She explained that the administration allowed the vessel to reach Cuba to meet pressing humanitarian needs on the island.
When asked if additional tankers might be permitted, Leavitt confirmed that future decisions would be evaluated individually.
The US has enforced a blockade on oil shipments to Cuba for several months. The Russian tanker, carrying approximately 730,000 barrels of crude, provides a vital energy supply to the island amid growing economic challenges.
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