MOSCOW/HAVANA — Russia has warned that Cuba’s energy crisis is becoming critical and accused the United States of using “suffocating measures” against the Caribbean nation.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov raised the alarm on Monday, saying Moscow is discussing “possible solutions” to provide Havana with “whatever assistance” it needs.“The situation is really critical in Cuba,” Peskov told reporters in Moscow. “The suffocating measures imposed by the United States are causing many difficulties for the country,” he added.The latest crisis is prompted by a US-orchestrated squeeze on the country’s oil supply that has also forced Havana to ration health, transport and school services.Cuba’s crippling fuel shortage amid US attempts to strangle the economy has immobilised the nation, and power plants are struggling to keep the lights on.The Cuban government has been forced to impose emergency measures, including a four-day work week for state-owned companies, limiting fuel sales, shuttering universities and reducing school hours.Cuba has warned international airlines that jet fuel would no longer be available on the island from Tuesday. Air Canada announced on Monday it was suspending service to Cuba while some other airlines said they would continue flying to the Caribbean country but rethink their logistics, including layovers in the Dominican Republic. Air Canada operates an average of 16 weekly flights to Cuba.The Cuban government issued the notice on Sunday night, warning that jet fuel would not be available at nine airports across the island, including José Martí International Airport in Havana, starting Tuesday.The Spanish airliners Iberia and Air Europa said their services to the island would continue, but flights from Madrid to Havana would need to land in the Dominican Republic to refuel. Meanwhile, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico told CNN they would continue their operations – with American saying their aircraft could carry enough fuel for the return flights.The fuel shortage deals another blow to a country that relies heavily on tourism, an industry that once generated more than €2.5 billion in annual revenue and served as a vital economic lifeline.US sanctions against Cuba have been in place for more than six decades and have long stunted Cuba’s economy. But they reached new levels after a US military operation resulted in the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, and US President Donald Trump began taking on a more confrontational tone toward Latin America.In late January, Trump signed an executive order that would impose a tariff on any goods from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba.Shortly after Cuba’s announcement, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said US military forces boarded a sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking the ship from the Caribbean Sea as part of an oil quarantine meant to squeeze Venezuela.The energy emergency has forced the suspension of major events, such as this weekend’s Havana International Book Fair, and the restructuring of the national baseball season for greater efficiency. — Agencies
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