Russia's oil tanker move was never really about helping Cuba — it's a calculated provocation designed to test U.S. resolve in its own backyard while Washington is distracted by Iran and Ukraine. Putin is ruthlessly exploiting every opening, and letting the Kolodkin sail through unchallenged signals weakness at the worst possible moment. The U.S. oil blockade was working, and backing down hands Moscow a geopolitical win for the cost of one tanker.