Tankers Carry Diesel to US Coast

Three tankers loaded with Russian diesel are moving toward the eastern coast of the Atlantic Ocean, according to statements made by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak on Friday. Novak said the vessels are the first part of a deal that allows Russian companies to supply 500,000 metric tonnes of fuel to the United States and global markets this month.

The agreement was announced by President Donald Trump earlier in October. Under the terms, Russia commits to supplying diesel to help reduce global fuel prices. In exchange, the United States will temporarily lift sanctions on Russian fuel products. Novak stated that the Russian Direct Investment Fund is providing support for the initial shipments.

Reuters identified one of the vessels as the Malta-flagged Agioi Fanendes. The tanker is carrying ultra-low sulphur diesel and is scheduled to arrive in the United States on 7 November. The arrival marks the first physical transfer of fuel under this new trade arrangement.

The shipment coincides with a separate agreement between Russia and Ukraine regarding the city of Oleshky. The White House announced on Friday that both sides agreed to halt military operations in the occupied city starting 27 October. This pause is intended to allow humanitarian aid to reach residents and prepare for civilian evacuations.

Oleshky has been under Russian occupation since February 2022. An estimated 2,000 people remain in the city, where officials report severe shortages of food, water, and electricity. Residents have described conditions as desperate, with some surviving on limited rations and foraged vegetation.

Diplomatic efforts continue alongside the energy deal. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that technical-level meetings between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States will take place in the first half of November in Abu Dhabi. A US official suggested a potential follow-up meeting could occur in a couple of weeks, either in Abu Dhabi or Switzerland. Zelenskyy expressed hope for a subsequent summit of heads of state.

These developments follow a recent strain in relations between Washington and Kyiv. Trump addressed concerns about Ukraine's access to the Starlink communication system on Friday. He said he would resolve any remaining issues and potentially discuss them with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Meanwhile, EU leaders in Brussels urged UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to increase financial support for Ukraine's defense as his government prepares its first budget next week.