Russia’s deputy prime minister Alexander Novak has said Moscow is discussing the possibility of supplying fuel to Cuba as the USA tightens restrictions on oil shipments to the island. The move follows new US measures aimed at cutting off Venezuelan oil supplies and threatening sanctions on countries that export fuel to Cuba. Russia, previously a major supplier alongside Venezuela and Mexico, has criticised the restrictions, warning of humanitarian consequences. Cuba relies heavily on imported fuel to power its electricity grid and already faces economic strain under longstanding US sanctions. The UN has cautioned that further shortages could deepen hardship. In response, Canada and Mexico have pledged humanitarian aid, including food and essential supplies. Washington has also announced $6m in humanitarian aid, provided that it is not distributed by the Cuban government. More than two million people have left the island since the Covid pandemic, due to the collapse of the tourism sector. Breaking news: four men in a Florida-registered speedboat have been killed by a Cuban border patrol. See