AREQUIPA, Peru – Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko announced on Friday that Moscow has granted the Cuban regime a $60 million loan for the purchase of fuel.
The announcement came during the senior official’s visit to the island for the Russia-Cuba Intergovernmental Commission meeting. It also comes amid a severe energy crisis in the country, marked by the collapse of the national electrical system and prolonged blackouts.
A report from the state-run Cubadebate noted that the Russian government also provided a donation to the Castro regime for the acquisition of parts and components needed to help restore Cuba’s thermoelectric plants.
Russia will send Cuba 80,000 tons of diesel and equipment valued at $62 million “to help the Island overcome the current energy emergency,” according to the official news agency Latin Press.
A report from the Eurasian country’s official delegation in Havana stated that the collaboration is being carried out under instructions from President Vladimir Putin.
As part of his visit to the island, Dmitry Chernyshenko met with dictator Miguel Díaz-Canel. His itinerary also includes a visit to the Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, where he will participate in a religious service, and a meeting with students at a Cuban school where the Russian language is taught.
In less than a month, Cuba has been hit by two hurricanes: Oscar in the eastern region and Rafael in the west. These disasters coincided with the collapse of the National Electric Service, exacerbating the ongoing crisis in the country.
Although the Cuban regime continues to blame the US embargo for triggering the national blackout, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero recently admitted that “the state of the infrastructure, the lack of fuel, and the increase in demand” are key factors in the current situation.
Follow our channel WhatsApp. Receive information from CubaNet on your cell phone through Telegram.
