Half-Million Tonnes of Russian Diesel Set Sail for US Ports

Three tankers loaded with Russian diesel are currently moving toward the eastern coast of the Atlantic Ocean, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. Speaking to Russian news agencies on Friday, Novak confirmed that the vessels are part of a specific arrangement to supply 500,000 metric tonnes of fuel to US and global markets throughout October.

The fuel shipments are the direct result of a deal announced earlier this month by President Donald Trump. Under the terms of the agreement, Russia committed to supplying diesel to world markets in an effort to lower fuel prices. In exchange, the US agreed to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian fuel. Novak stated that the Russian Direct Investment Fund is providing support for the first three vessels already in transit.

Reuters identified one of the ships as the Malta-flagged medium-sized tanker Agioi Fanendes. The vessel is carrying ultra-low sulphur diesel and is scheduled to arrive in the United States on November 7. This arrival marks the first physical movement of fuel under the new trade framework.

The logistics of the fuel deal are unfolding alongside a diplomatic push to stabilize the war in Ukraine. The White House announced on Friday that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky. Both sides will halt military operations in the city starting October 27. This pause is intended to allow humanitarian aid to reach residents and to prepare for the evacuation of civilians.

Oleshky, located in southern Ukraine, has been under Russian occupation since February 2022. Residents report severe shortages of food, water, and electricity. An estimated 2,000 people remain in the city, with some surviving on weeds, boiled grass, and small rations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the US have agreed to hold technical-level meetings in the first half of November in Abu Dhabi.

US officials indicated that the three countries might meet again in a few weeks, potentially in Abu Dhabi or Switzerland. Zelenskyy expressed hope that a meeting of national leaders would follow these technical discussions. The diplomatic efforts come after recent tensions between Washington and Kyiv, including US restrictions on the Starlink communication system used by Ukraine. Trump said on Friday that he would address any remaining Starlink access issues, potentially discussing them with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk if necessary.