The Kremlin announced Friday that the first tanker carrying Russian diesel to the United States under a new import agreement has set sail, two weeks after President Donald Trump said he struck a deal with President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said regular supplies would continue but offered no further details.
Marine intelligence firm Kpler indicated the vessel is headed to New York with an expected arrival date of Nov. 7, marking the first Russian diesel delivery to the U.S. since July 2023. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the initial shipment totals roughly 40,000 tons, or about 300,000 barrels, which represents approximately 7% of daily U.S. diesel consumption.
The agreement has drawn sharp criticism from Ukraine and bipartisan voices in Washington. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it "a weak decision by strong partners," while U.S. lawmakers from both parties argued the deal violates American laws and brings the country closer to Russia despite Moscow's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Energy policy experts say the deal is unlikely to significantly lower fuel prices. The move also marks a sudden policy reversal for Trump, who recently signed a sanctions package calling for up to 100% tariffs on major importers of Russian energy before putting those measures on hold.
Zelenskyy said Friday he spoke with Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner following their consultations with Putin in St. Petersburg. He outlined Ukraine's pressing needs ahead of winter, including protecting the power grid, securing more Patriot air-defense interceptors, and resolving ongoing Starlink speed limits that are hindering drone operations.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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