Russian Diesel Fleet Moves Toward US Ports Under New Deal

Three Russian fuel tankers are currently moving toward the eastern coast of the Atlantic Ocean, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. Speaking on Friday, Novak confirmed that these vessels represent the first shipments under a new agreement to supply 500,000 metric tonnes of diesel to the United States and global markets in October.

The arrangement was announced this month by President Donald Trump. Under the terms, Russia supplies diesel to help lower fuel prices, and the US temporarily lifts sanctions on Russian fuel. Novak noted that the Russian Direct Investment Fund is providing significant support for the logistics of the deal.

Reuters reported that one of the vessels, the Malta-flagged medium-sized tanker Agioi Fanendes, is loaded with ultra-low sulphur diesel. The ship is expected to arrive in the United States on November 7. The remaining two tankers are also in transit as part of the same initial batch.

This trade movement coincides with diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The White House announced on Friday that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky. Both sides will halt military operations in the city starting October 27. This pause allows aid to be delivered and preparations to be made for evacuating civilians.

Oleshky has been under Russian occupation since February 2022. Residents face severe shortages of food, water, and electricity. An estimated 2,000 people remain in the city, with some surviving on weeds, boiled grass, and limited rations. Officials from both nations stated that all parties are close to agreeing to a wider ceasefire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the US have agreed to hold technical-level meetings in Abu Dhabi during the first half of November. A US official indicated that the three countries might meet again within a couple of weeks, potentially in Abu Dhabi or Switzerland. Zelenskyy expressed hope that a meeting of national leaders would follow.

The diplomatic push follows recent tensions between Washington and Kyiv, including limits on the Starlink communication system used by Ukraine. Trump said on Friday that he would resolve any remaining access issues if necessary, potentially raising the matter with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Meanwhile, EU leaders in Brussels pressed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to contribute more to Ukraine's defense ahead of the UK's first budget under his leadership next week.