Kremlin says a first tanker of Russian diesel sets sail for U.S. despite Ukraine's protests
The Kremlin has announced that the first tanker of Russian diesel is en route to the United States following a new import agreement. This move marks a significant shift in U.S. sanctions policy, which President Trump reportedly initiated to help lower domestic fuel prices.
Why it matters
This development signals a major reversal in U.S. foreign policy regarding Russian energy sanctions amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Kremlin says a first tanker of Russian diesel sets sail for U.S. despite Ukraine's protests left Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. File AP AP https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/x1om70/article71617524.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Russia_Energy_Week_89636.jpg PAVEL BEDNYAKOV Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak attends the plenary session of the Russian Energy Week forum in Moscow, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov) Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said earlier this week that the first shipment would amount to 40,000 tons of diesel, according to Russia's Interfax news agency Moscow A first tanker carrying Russian diesel to the United States under a new import agreement has set sail, the Kremlin said Friday (October 23, 2026), two weeks after President Donald Trump said he struck a deal with President Vladimir Putin despite Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. “The first oil tanker has sailed off to customers, and regular supplies will continue,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said without elaborating.
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