Novak Confirms Three Russian Diesel Tankers En Route to US East Coast
The vessels carry 500,000 metric tonnes of fuel under a sanctions waiver announced by President Trump this month.
By Luana Sato ·
Three tankers loaded with Russian diesel are currently sailing toward the North American coast, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. Speaking on Friday, Novak stated that the ships are part of a new arrangement designed to supply 500,000 metric tonnes of fuel to US and global markets in October.
Novak told Russian news agencies that the first three fuel tankers are already traveling to the eastern coast of the Atlantic Ocean. He noted that the Russian Direct Investment Fund is providing significant support for the operation. This shipment follows a deal announced by US President Donald Trump this month, in which Russia agreed to supply diesel to lower global fuel prices. In exchange, the US agreed to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian fuel.
Reuters identified one of the vessels as the Malta-flagged medium-sized tanker Agioi Fanendes. The ship is carrying ultra-low sulphur diesel and is scheduled to arrive in the United States on 7 November. The delivery marks the first physical movement of fuel under the new sanctions waiver.
The fuel shipments are moving in parallel with a diplomatic push to end the war in Ukraine. The White House announced on Friday that Russia and Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky. Both sides will halt military operations in the city starting on 27 October. The pause is intended to allow aid delivery and preparations for civilian evacuations. Officials from both nations confirmed that they are close to finalizing the terms.
Oleshky 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 meager rations. The UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, also announced on Friday that repairs to power infrastructure near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant are complete. The work strengthened the plant's connection to its sole remaining external power line, reducing the risk of another electricity failure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the US agreed to hold technical-level meetings in Abu Dhabi during the first half of November. A US official later indicated that the three countries might meet again in a couple of weeks, potentially in Abu Dhabi or Switzerland. Zelenskyy expressed hope that a meeting of the countries' leaders would follow these technical discussions.
The diplomatic efforts come after a recent rift between Washington and Kyiv. Trump said on Friday that he would resolve any issues with Ukraine's access to the Starlink communication system if problems persist. He stated that he would raise the matter with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk if necessary. Meanwhile, EU leaders pressed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham at a summit in Brussels to contribute more to Ukraine's defense before the UK presents its next budget.
