Russian tanker Universal carrying fuel for Cuba "stuck" in the middle of the ocean - media

An oil tanker carrying Russian fuel to Cuba appears to be "stuck" approximately 1,600 kilometers off the coast. This is reported by Bloomberg, according to UNN.

Details

It is noted that the sanctioned Russian "shadow fleet" tanker named "Universal" has been drifting in the ocean since mid-April. On board are nearly 270,000 barrels of diesel fuel destined for the island nation.

The arrival of the "Universal" is in question, as many vessels in the past have diverted their course from Cuba, fearing seizure by the U.S. Navy amid an almost total energy blockade. This year, only one vessel, the "Anatoly Kolodkin," managed to deliver oil, and only after receiving a temporary reprieve from the Trump administration that allowed passage to help mitigate the island's energy crisis

The publication indicates that Cuba is in desperate need of more oil for power generation and fuel transportation. Russia promised to send another shipment of oil following the vessel "Anatoly Kolodkin," without disclosing arrival details.

Meanwhile, the Cuban government has intensified efforts to revive domestic oil production and reduce dependence on imports. On Tuesday, the state oil company announced equipment replacements that will allow Cuba's two largest oil wells to increase production by 30%.

As a reminder

Recently, Ukrainian forces struck two tankers of the Russian shadow fleet near the port of Novorossiysk. The operation was carried out by the SBU and the Navy under the leadership of the General Staff.

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