First Russian diesel tanker sails for US under Trump-Putin deal
A Malta-flagged tanker carrying 40,000 metric tons of ultra-low-sulfur diesel heads for New York.
A Malta-flagged tanker carrying Russian diesel is en route to the United States under a recently announced agreement between Washington and Moscow, marking the first such shipment since restrictions were imposed in 2022.
The Agioi Fanendes, loaded with 40,000 metric tons of ultra-low-sulfur diesel, departed Russia’s Primorsk port on October 22 and is expected to reach New York on November 7, according to ship-tracking data from LSEG cited by Reuters. The vessel’s cargo represents the first identified U.S.-bound delivery under the deal President Donald Trump unveiled on October 9, which aims to ease fuel prices ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
The agreement allows for the release of 300,000 metric tons of Russian diesel to U.S. and global markets initially, with plans to increase shipments to 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons shortly after. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the first tanker’s departure and indicated that regular supplies would follow as contracts are finalized. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak also stated that additional shipments are in the works.
However, the 40,000-ton cargo amounts to roughly 300,000 barrels, about 7% of the 4 million barrels of diesel the U.S. consumes daily. Energy policy experts suggest the import is unlikely to significantly lower fuel prices, given the scale of U.S. demand and ongoing market volatility.
Political and geopolitical implications: First
The timing of the shipment has drawn scrutiny, as its arrival is scheduled for November 7, four days after the midterm elections. Critics argue the deal may be more symbolic than substantive, particularly as diesel prices remain elevated. Retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Arnold Punaro, speaking to Fox Business, described the cargo as supplying only “a couple of hours” of U.S. consumption, questioning the wisdom of lifting sanctions on Russia while its war in Ukraine continues.
Ukraine has strongly opposed the agreement, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling it “a weak decision by strong partners.” The move has reignited debates over the balance between energy security and the ethical implications of resuming trade with Russia amid its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
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