The first Russian diesel cargo going to the United States is expected to reach the East Coast this week after a deal between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin.
The Greek-flagged tanker MINERVA ZEN, carrying about 275,000 barrels of oil, reportedly left St. Petersburg in late September but was not publicized, likely due to security reasons.
Several U.S. lawmakers and European officials have criticized the U.S.-Russia agreement, saying it would enable Moscow to fund its military and prolong aggression against Ukraine.
Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, warned that suspending sanctions on Russian diesel would provide Moscow with more revenues to wage war.
The diplomat announced EU Foreign Ministers will, on Monday, “approve the biggest set of sanctions listings targeting Russia’s war machine” since the start of the conflict.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called Washington’s lifting of embargo on Russian fuel “sickening,” despite blaming Ukraine for the spike in prices caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure.
“If we want Russian oil and gas back on the world market, then let’s end this war with a free, sovereign, and independent Ukraine,” Johnson wrote on X.
However, U.S. negotiators have reportedly offered Russia three economic incentives, covering energy infrastructure and maritime operations, in exchange for a limited ceasefire.
The proposals, according to The New York Times, included releasing billions in frozen Russian assets, possibly resuscitating a previous plan involving up to $100 billion.
Washington also discussed a multibillion-dollar deal to sell parts of Russian oil giant Lukoil to Middle Eastern investors, and a proposal allowing Belarus to export potash.
Ukraine did not oppose the proposition but wants guarantees, including payments from seized Russian assets and additional military aid if Moscow breached a truce.