Russian diesel tankers head to US under Trump-Putin deal
Seven tankers with 288,000 tonnes of Russian diesel are sailing to the US under a six-month sanctions waiver, but unloading remains uncertain amid political objections.
The story in focus
The Guardian reports that seven oil tankers carrying an estimated 288,000 tonnes of Russian diesel are sailing towards the US, the first phase of a supply deal between presidents Trump and Putin announced on 9 October under a six-month sanctions waiver. Uncertainty remains over whether the vessels will unload amid objections from US lawmakers and the New Jersey governor.
- Seven tankers carry an estimated 288,000 tonnes of Russian diesel.
- Greenpeace tracked the vessels; earlier reports counted three.
- The deal was announced on 9 October with a six-month sanctions waiver.
- US lawmakers warned banks and ports of possible legal action.
- New Jersey's governor said she is examining ways to block unloading.
Shipments and deal terms
The Guardian reports that seven oil tankers carrying an estimated 288,000 tonnes of Russian diesel are now sailing towards the US. Greenpeace tracked the vessels using shipping data and other sources; earlier reports had counted three tankers departing Baltic Sea terminals.
The transport is the first phase of a supply deal negotiated by presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Putin agreed to supply 1.8m tonnes of diesel, starting with 300,000 tonnes immediately, in a deal announced on 9 October. Trump announced a six-month waiver on existing sanctions to allow the shipments.
Political objections
It remains uncertain whether the tankers will be able to unload. A group of US lawmakers led by Democratic senators warned banks and port authorities they could face congressional investigations or other legal action if they handled the diesel. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic governor of New Jersey, said she was looking at how to prevent unloading in her state and called the deal corrupt and illegal.
The deal follows waves of US, EU, UK and other Western sanctions imposed on Russia after its February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Greenpeace Ukraine energy specialist Shaun Burnie argued the shipments should be halted by Congress or local authorities.
What is the status of the Russian diesel shipments to the US?
Seven tankers carrying an estimated 288,000 tonnes of Russian diesel are sailing towards the US under a six-month sanctions waiver announced on 9 October. It is uncertain whether they will unload amid objections from US lawmakers and New Jersey's governor.
Sources & further reading
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