**Cuba's Fuel Crisis: Russia Steps In to Evacuate Tourists** As the world watches the unfolding drama in Cuba, a crisis that has roots in the United States, Russia has taken decisive action to evacuate its citizens from the island nation. With fuel shortages crippling the Caribbean island, Russia's aviation authorities have announced plans to operate only return flights from Cuba to ensure the safe repatriation of its citizens. The situation on the ground is dire, with widespread power outages, cut bus and train services, and schools and universities operating on reduced schedules. The fuel crisis has been exacerbated by the US-imposed oil blockade, which has choked off supplies of oil from Venezuela. This move, taken in response to the US military's actions in January, has left Cuba struggling to meet its fuel requirements, which are already only a third of its total needs. An estimated 5,000 Russian tourists are currently in Cuba, and with the fuel shortage showing no signs of improvement, their situation has become increasingly precarious. Russia's Association of Tour Operators has urged citizens to exercise caution when planning trips to Cuba, while the country's Ministry of Economic Development has issued a warning against travel to the island. To alleviate the suffering of the Cuban people, Russia has pledged to send humanitarian aid shipments of oil and petroleum products to the island. Aeroflot, the national carrier, has announced repatriation flights for Russians, and the Russian embassy in Havana is working closely with Cuban authorities to ensure a smooth process. The situation in Cuba has been further complicated by the recent executive order signed by US President Donald Trump, which allows for the imposition of trade tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba. This move is seen as part of a broader effort by the US to strangle the Cuban economy and undermine the socialist leadership of the island nation. As the crisis deepens, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to the plight of the Cuban people. With Russia taking the lead in evacuating its citizens and providing humanitarian aid, it is clear that the situation in Cuba is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a coordinated response from the global community.