Seven Russian diesel tankers bound for US tracked across Atlantic
The vessels are expected in early November, while Senator Richard Blumenthal argues the shipments remain barred by US law.
Seven Russian tankers heading to the United States are transporting diesel cargo totaling 288,000 metric tons, Greenpeace Ukraine reported on Oct. 29. The vessels are expected to arrive in early November following President Donald Trump's temporary authorization of Russian diesel sales.
Greenpeace's tracking map placed the tankers in the Atlantic, with one close to the US East Coast. Their destination ports remain unknown. The organization named the ships as Taurus, Pvt Azura, Agioi Fanendes, Talisman, Leruo, Iblea and Primorye.
Ukraine's war sanctions portal lists Talisman, Leruo and Primorye as subject to sanctions from multiple countries for involvement in illegal oil exports through Russia's shadow fleet. Talisman has faced US sanctions since January 2025.
Trump announced the temporary permission on Oct. 9, saying he sought to lower oil costs driven higher by the war with Iran. The decision drew criticism from Ukraine, its allies and US lawmakers.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal warned a shipping company on Oct. 28 that delivering the diesel could breach US sanctions law. He argued that the 2022 Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act still bars the shipments and that Trump's deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot override it.
Separately, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, said in an Oct. 29 interview with KYW Newsradio that she was examining options to keep the Russian tankers out of her state's ports.
