Russian diesel tanker bound for New York under Trump agreement
The first cargo under the purchase deal weighs 40,000 metric tons and is expected to reach the United States on Nov. 7.
A Russian diesel cargo weighing 40,000 metric tons is heading to New York aboard the Malta-flagged Agioi Fanendes, Reuters reported on Oct. 23, citing LSEG data. The delivery is the first under a purchase deal that U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Oct. 9.
Reuters said the tanker loaded at Primorsk, a Russian port on the Baltic, on Oct. 22. It is expected in the United States on Nov. 7. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Oct. 21 that the initial cargo would leave soon and more shipments would follow.
Trump has argued that buying the fuel will lower prices. Kyiv, European allies and U.S. lawmakers have criticized the deal, saying American consumers would see little benefit and the purchases would help finance Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Trump said Russia would supply U.S. and global markets immediately with over 300,000 metric tons, then deliver 500,000 metric tons in November and another 1 million metric tons immediately afterward. After the deal was announced, Moscow relaxed some restrictions on diesel exports, allowing 500,000 metric tons to be sold.
