Havana —Alexandr Schetinin, director of the Latin American Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, declared this Sunday in Moscow to Russian media that resuming direct flights between Russia and Cuba remains on the agenda, although it depends on the evolution of the situation on the island.

According to the Latin American News Agency Prensa Latina, Schetinin stated: “Above all, this depends on the serious situation currently observed in Cuba. The question of resuming connections is on the agenda, but it is undoubtedly a matter that requires guaranteeing a whole series of necessary conditions that, as we hope, will be resolved as the situation evolves.”

On January 29, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing the imposition of tariffs on imports from countries supplying oil to Cuba and declared a state of emergency over an alleged security threat originating from the island.

The measure worsened the fuel shortage in Cuba, creating adverse impacts on transportation, food production, healthcare, and education.

According to data from Cuba's National Office of Statistics and Information, from January through the end of March, Cuba received 298,057 international visitors, a 48 percent drop compared to the same period in the previous year.

The lack of fuel to supply aircraft led to the suspension of direct flights from countries such as Canada and Russia, two of the primary source markets for tourists visiting the island.

Relations between Cuba and Russia have consolidated through intergovernmental agreements spanning energy, transportation, biotechnology, and infrastructure.

In the political arena, both governments have maintained mutual support and coordination in international forums.

The Cuban government expressed gratitude for Russian support against the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed by the United States, while Moscow reaffirmed its solidarity with Havana.

Russian contributions have included the donation of an oil tanker and the recent delivery of neonatal ambulances provided by Saint Petersburg, among other actions.

The resumption of direct flights will depend on how the situation evolves in Cuba and the conditions guaranteed moving forward, according to Schetinin.