Russia is bringing its citizens back home from Cuba. This is happening because it is very hard to get fuel for planes there. The Russian aviation regulator announced this important step. It shows how bad the fuel problem is in Cuba. Many people think the United States is causing this problem. They have a strong policy to isolate Cuba.
Airlines like Rossiya and Nordwind Airlines have big problems with their flights. They have to change their schedules. Rossiya Airlines now only flies from Havana and Varadero back to Moscow. This is only to help Russian people go home. The Russian Ministry of Economic Development told its citizens not to travel to Cuba. This is because of the difficult travel situation. The Russian embassy in Havana is working with Aeroflot and Cuban aviation officials. They are trying to help travellers who are stuck.
Cuba is having serious fuel shortages. This affects many parts of daily life. Transportation and important services are disrupted. This lack of fuel is causing big problems and difficulties for people. Russia plans to send humanitarian aid to Cuba. This aid will include oil and petroleum products.
Many believe the US is deliberately causing Cuba's fuel problems. The US government has a tough policy towards Cuba. They are trying to stop Cuba from getting energy supplies. Reports say the US has stopped fuel from coming from Venezuela. This happened after Venezuela's president was taken in January. Also, the US has threatened to put high taxes on countries that send fuel to Cuba. This makes countries afraid to help. Some people say this is an effort to "suffocate" the island.
Experts have different ideas about why the US is doing this. William LeoGrande from American University thinks the US might want to find a solution through talks. However, others believe the US wants to change the Cuban government. They think the US wants to cause problems for the people. Tiziano Breda, an analyst, says the US actions are causing a humanitarian crisis. He thinks the US is willing to put a lot of pressure on Cuba. This could lead to big problems for the country. Cuba is now in a difficult situation with its fuel crisis.