A tanker carrying Russian diesel has departed for the United States, marking the first shipment under a new import agreement between the two countries. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the departure without providing further details. The vessel, carrying 40,000 tons of diesel, is expected to arrive in New York on November 7, according to marine intelligence firm Kpler. This is the first Russian diesel delivery to the U.S. since July 2023.
The shipment comes two weeks after President Donald Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite Moscow’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak had earlier indicated that the first shipment would amount to 40,000 tons. The agreement foresees millions more tons of Russian diesel reaching the U.S. in the coming months, though energy policy experts doubt it will significantly lower fuel prices.
The policy reversal has sparked alarm in Ukraine, which has urged foreign countries to tighten sanctions on Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the decision, calling it “a weak decision by strong partners.” The agreement follows Trump’s recent request for Kyiv to halt long-range drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, which have caused fuel shortages in Russia.
The U.S. diesel decision comes just weeks after Trump signed a sanctions package targeting top importers of Russian oil or natural gas, which he later put on hold. The development highlights the complex and volatile relationship between Trump and Zelensky, which has deteriorated in recent weeks.