Three Tankers Carry Russian Diesel to US in First Such Shipment Since 2023 Under Trump-Putin Deal

Three Russian Diesel Tankers Head to North America in First US Shipment Since 2023 Under Trump-Putin Deal

Three tankers carrying Russian diesel have departed from the Russian port of Primorsk and are heading towards North America, marking the first such shipment to the United States since 2023. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced the development as Moscow prepares to resume fuel exports to the US under a newly announced supply agreement.

The shipment follows a reported agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, announced approximately two weeks after a phone conversation between the leaders. The arrangement is aimed at increasing fuel supplies to the American market amid concerns over elevated energy prices ahead of the US midterm elections.

“The first three fuel tankers are already on their way to the eastern coast of the Atlantic Ocean, with significant support from the RDIF (Russian Direct Investment Fund),” Reuters quoted Novak as saying.

According to marine intelligence firm Kpler, one of the vessels reported on Friday that its destination was New York, with arrival expected on November 7, the Associated Press reported.

First Shipment Carries 40,000 Tonnes of Diesel
The initial consignment comprises three tankers carrying approximately 40,000 metric tonnes of diesel, equivalent to around 300,000 barrels, according to Russia’s Interfax news agency, citing Novak.

The shipment represents roughly 7 per cent of the four million barrels of diesel the United States consumes daily, according to the Associated Press.

Earlier in the week, Novak said Russian companies could supply 500,000 metric tonnes of diesel to the US during October. Trump had previously indicated that Russia would immediately provide more than 300,000 tonnes, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November and one million tonnes thereafter.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also confirmed that the initial shipment had departed. He said the first tanker was on its way to customers and that regular deliveries were expected to continue.

The proposed supplies could provide additional fuel to the US market, although their broader impact on domestic prices will depend on the volume and timing of deliveries and prevailing market conditions.

Russian Diesel Deal Faces Criticism in US and Ukraine
The reported agreement has attracted criticism from both American lawmakers and Ukrainian officials, amid continuing tensions over Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the move, describing it as a “weak decision by strong partners”. Lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties in the US have also raised objections to the arrangement.

The resumption of Russian diesel deliveries comes against the backdrop of Washington’s efforts to maintain economic pressure on Moscow while addressing domestic energy concerns.

Last month, Trump signed a sanctions package into law that included provisions for tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major purchasers of Russian energy. The measures were subsequently put on hold.

The latest fuel arrangement therefore highlights the challenges facing the US administration as it balances energy supply considerations, sanctions policy and diplomatic relations with Moscow and Kyiv.

Trump-Zelensky Relations Under Strain
The diesel shipment comes at a time of increasing friction between Trump and Zelensky over efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Trump has accused the Ukrainian president of being unwilling to bring the conflict with Russia to an end, while Kyiv has continued to seek international support against Russian military action.

The resumption of Russian fuel supplies to the US adds another dimension to the diplomatic and economic relationship between Washington and Moscow. The extent to which the agreement will affect fuel prices, sanctions policy and negotiations over the war remains to be seen.