Three Tankers Carry 500,000 Tonnes of Russian Diesel to US Coast

Alexander Novak, the Russian deputy prime minister, confirmed on Friday that three tankers loaded with Russian diesel are traveling toward the United States. The vessels are part of a deal to ship 500,000 metric tonnes of fuel to American and global markets during October. Novak stated that the first three ships are already moving toward the Atlantic coast with support from the Russian Direct Investment Fund.

The arrangement was announced by US President Donald Trump earlier this month. Under the terms, Russia supplies diesel to help lower fuel prices. In exchange, the US temporarily removes sanctions on Russian fuel. According to reports, the Malta-flagged tanker Agioi Fanendes carries ultra-low sulphur diesel and is scheduled to arrive in the US on 7 November.

A diplomatic development accompanied the fuel shipments. The White House announced that Russia and Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire in the occupied city of Oleshky. Military operations in the city will halt starting 27 October. This pause allows aid workers to deliver supplies and prepare for the evacuation of civilians. Both sides said they are close to broader agreements on stopping the fighting.

Oleshky has been under Russian control since February 2022. The city faces severe shortages of food, water, and electricity. Approximately 2,000 people remain in the area. Residents report surviving on limited rations and foraged vegetation. The local truce aims to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in this southern Ukrainian location.

Negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the US agreed to hold technical meetings in Abu Dhabi in early November. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said leaders may meet following these discussions. A US official noted that further talks could occur in a few weeks in either Abu Dhabi or Switzerland. These efforts follow recent tensions between Washington and Kyiv over defense issues, including access to Starlink satellite communications.

In Europe, leaders at a Brussels summit urged UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to increase support for Ukraine. They also called on Canada and Japan to contribute more to defense efforts. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that repairs to power infrastructure near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant were completed. The work secured the plant's connection to the Ferosplavna-1 power line, reducing the risk of electricity loss at Europe's largest nuclear station.