First Russian Diesel Tankers Reach US Coast in November Under Sanctions Waiver

Three tankers loaded with Russian diesel are en route to the eastern coast of the Atlantic Ocean, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. Speaking on Friday, Novak confirmed that these vessels are the first under a new agreement that allows Russian companies to ship 500,000 metric tonnes of fuel to US and global markets in October.

The arrangement was announced this month by US President Donald Trump. Under the deal, Russia supplies diesel to lower global fuel prices, while the US temporarily lifts sanctions on Russian fuel. Novak noted that the Russian Direct Investment Fund is providing support for the shipments. One of the vessels, the Malta-flagged tanker Agioi Fanendes, is loaded with ultra-low sulphur diesel and is scheduled to reach the United States on 7 November.

This fuel shipment arrives alongside diplomatic efforts to pause the war in Ukraine. The White House announced on Friday that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a ceasefire in the occupied city of Oleshky. Both sides will halt military operations there starting 27 October. This pause allows for the delivery of aid and the preparation of civilian evacuations. Russian and Ukrainian officials stated that the two nations are close to agreeing on a wider ceasefire.

Oleshky has been under Russian occupation since February 2022. Residents currently 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. The US is using this momentum to organize fresh peace talks.

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 later indicated that the three countries might meet again in a couple of weeks, either in Abu Dhabi or Switzerland. Zelenskyy expressed hope that a meeting of national leaders would follow these technical sessions.

The diplomatic push comes after recent tensions between Washington and Kyiv, including US limits on the Starlink communication system used by Ukraine for defense. On Friday, Trump said he would resolve any ongoing access issues and would speak with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk if necessary. Separately, EU leaders in Brussels pressed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to contribute more to Ukraine's defense, as the UK prepares its first budget under his leadership next week.

The International Atomic Energy Agency also reported on Friday that repairs to key power infrastructure near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant are complete. The work was done under a temporary ceasefire brokered by the IAEA. The repairs strengthened the plant's connection to its only remaining external power line, reducing the risk of another loss of off-site electricity.