Russian Tankers Approach Cuba Amid Fuel Crisis

Two Russian oil tankers are approaching Cuba, potentially delivering vital fuel to the island nation amid a deepening energy crisis triggered by U.S. sanctions and a maritime blockade. The vessels, carrying an estimated 190,000 to 200,000 barrels of diesel on one and about 700,000 barrels of crude on the other, represent the first major shipments in three months, as blackouts and fuel shortages have paralyzed daily life across the Caribbean country.

The Sea Horse, a Hong Kong-flagged tanker, has exhibited unusual movements that maritime analysts suspect were designed to evade detection. After loading Russian diesel near Cyprus, where it briefly disabled its Automatic Identification System, the vessel drifted in the Sargasso Sea for nearly three weeks in late February and early March, broadcasting that it was not under command. Tracking data indicates it may have manipulated its signals to make an undetected delivery to Cuba earlier this month before resuming a course toward the island's north coast. Energy expert Jorge Piñón of the University of Texas at Austin said the tanker is now moving at about 9.9 knots and could arrive in roughly five days. A second vessel, the...