URUGUAY will send 20 tons of powdered milk to Cuba, it announced on Tuesday, working with Mexico to help alleviate the Caribbean island’s severe energy and economic crisis. 

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government will be responsible for co-ordinating logistical aspects of the shipment, which will defy the continuing US blockade, with details to be confirmed.

The aid initiative is part of a growing regional effort to support Cuba amid increasing pressure being applied by the US in an open attempt to overthrow its government.

President Sheinbaum confirmed talks with Cuban authorities last week aimed at resuming the vital supply of petroleum to Cuba. 

Russian oil tanker Anatoli Kolodkin arrived at  Cuba’s Matanzas terminal on Tuesday morning, delivering temporary relief in the form of 740,000 barrels of crude oil. 

Hardship caused by the 60-year illegal US blockade against Cuba has worsened following the illegal and unprovoked US attack against Venezuela on January 3, during which 100 people were killed and the country’s President and first lady, Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores, were kidnapped.

The Trump administration blocked shipments of crude oil and petrol to Cuba and threatened any country with heavy sanctions if they did not comply.