Taking over another country? The collapse of the Trump administration

Unusually and unexpectedly, the US allowed a huge oil tanker to reach Cuba today (Monday), after a prolonged blockade of more than four months. A tanker sent by Russia, with 730,000 barrels of oil, arrived at its destination this morning, after days when it was unclear how the Trump administration would deal with this challenge from Moscow.

The decision not to prevent the arrival of the tanker to the shores of Cuba is a real change in the American approach, after in recent months Washington actually enforced an oil embargo on Cuba, which is now facing a real danger of collapse. As part of this policy, pressure was exerted on countries not to transfer fuel to the island, and cases were even recorded in which tankers on their way to Cuba were removed from the area.

Despite this, the US Coast Guard, which maintains vessels in the area and could have stopped the tanker, was not instructed to act against it. An American official told the New York Times that in the absence of any other directive, the plan was to allow her to reach her destination.

The President of the United States Donald Trump confirmed the decision and said that he has no objection to the transfer of oil to Cuba at this time. According to him, “If a country wants to send oil to Cuba now, I have no problem with that, whether it’s Russia or other countries.” However, he downplayed the significance of the move and claimed that it would not change the situation of Cuba, which he said was “finished”. He recently said that “he would be honored to take over Cuba.”

The arrival of the Russian shipment may temporarily ease the acute energy crisis in the country. In recent months, Cuba has been suffering from daily power outages, severe fuel shortages and price increases, along with damage to essential services such as transportation and health. The situation also led to international criticism, including from the United Nations, which claimed that the American policy was creating a humanitarian crisis.

According to expert estimates, the oil that will arrive will be able to provide Cuba with a breathing space of only a few weeks. After its distillation, it will be possible to extract diesel, gasoline and other fuels from it, which will help stabilize the electricity grid, reduce power outages and improve transportation and agricultural activity. However, this is only a temporary solution, and not one that solves the depth of the crisis.

Russia made it clear that they see the move as vital assistance to their ally. The Kremlin spokesman said that Moscow considers it an obligation to help Cuba in view of the economic pressures and the lack of energy, and even noted that the issue was discussed in advance with the United States.

The American decision also prevents a direct confrontation with Russia near the coast of Florida, at a geopolitically sensitive time. However, it is unclear whether this is a one-time move or a broader policy change that will allow more oil shipments to Cuba in the future.