The maritime deliveries stem from an agreement brokered between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to supply 1.8 million tonnes of fuel to combat rising domestic energy prices. To enable the shipments, Trump granted a six-month waiver that temporarily lifts sanctions on Russian petroleum imports. However, the fuel faces fierce domestic pushback and intense international condemnation over claims the revenue will fund Moscow's military efforts. The incoming vessels now risk being turned away after Democratic lawmakers threatened port operators and banks with congressional investigations.
Key points
The cargo represents the initial phase of an October 9 deal between Trump and Putin for 1…: The cargo represents the initial phase of an October 9 deal between Trump and Putin for 1.8 million tonnes of fuel.
Democratic lawmakers have cautioned banks and port operators about possible congressional…: Democratic lawmakers have cautioned banks and port operators about possible congressional inquiries regarding the incoming shipments.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the trade deal, asserting that the proc…: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the trade deal, asserting that the proceeds help finance Moscow's military campaign.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Seven oil tankers carrying an estimated 288,000 tonnes of Russian diesel are now sailing towards the US, though it is uncertain if the vessels will be able to unload amid a political row about the legality of the shipments.
The transport, tracked by the pressure group Greenpeace, is the first phase of a contentious supply deal negotiated between presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin earlier this month, reversing years of sanctions on Russia oil.
Previous reports had counted three tankers that had departed Russian oil terminals in the Baltic Sea, but using a range of sources, including shipping tracking websites, Greenpeace believes its monitoring exercise is the most complete yet.
Shaun Burnie, an energy specialist with Greenpeace Ukraine, argued that now the location of the tankers could be plotted on a map, the shipments should be halted by Congress or local authorities in the US.
“Instead of rewarding Russia for its vile war against Ukraine, there needs to be more punitive sanctions against Russia,” he said. “These shipments can be stopped”.
One of the seven tankers, Taurus, is relatively close…
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