Russia has initiated emergency repatriation flights to bring home thousands of citizens stranded in Cuba as the Caribbean nation grapples with a severe fuel shortage. Aeroflot announced five Varadero-Moscow flights between February 12 and 21, along with a Havana-Moscow flight on February 16, with all regular services set to cease after February 24.
Immediate Response The first evacuation flight departed today from Varadero, with Russian authorities confirming 4,800 tourists remain on the island. Artur Muradyan, Vice President of Russia's Association of Tour Operators, stated: "We're working around the clock to ensure every Russian returns home safely."
Diplomatic Coordination The Russian Embassy in Havana maintains daily contact with Cuban aviation officials and Aeroflot representatives. This marks Moscow's largest Caribbean evacuation operation since 2026 began, reflecting growing regional energy challenges.
Crisis Context Cuba's current fuel shortages stem from U.S. pressure on oil-exporting nations, creating ripple effects across tourism-dependent economies. The situation highlights how geopolitical tensions can directly impact global travel patterns and citizen security.
