Trump‑Putin diesel deal sees first Russian tanker sail to New York
The Malta‑flagged Agioi Fanendes left the Russian port of Primorsk on Oct. 22, heading to New York with 40,000 tons of diesel, part of a new U.S.–Russia fuel agreement announced by President Trump.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A Malta‑flagged tanker carrying 40,000 metric tons of Russian diesel set sail for New York on Friday, the first U.S. delivery under the deal announced by President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin.
What happened
The vessel, named Agioi Fanendes, loaded its cargo of ultra‑low‑sulfur diesel at the Russian Baltic port of Primorsk on Oct. 22. Marine‑intelligence firm Kpler reported that the ship signaled a course toward New York, with an expected arrival on Nov. 7. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the tanker had “sailed off to customers, and regular supplies will continue,” without providing further details.
What the reports add
Fortune noted that Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told Interfax the shipment would total 40,000 tons, roughly 300,000 barrels or about 7 % of the U.S. daily diesel consumption. The Independent echoed these figures and added that the shipment is the first Russian diesel delivery to the United States since July 2023. The Independent’s later piece supplied additional context, citing LSEG shipping data that confirmed the vessel’s Malta flag and its route, and referenced Trump’s broader measures to curb domestic fuel prices, including waiving parts of a recent sanctions law and threatening a diesel export ban on Europe.
What was said
“The first oil tanker has sailed off to customers, and regular supplies will continue,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, as reported by both Fortune and the Independent.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the shipment would be 40,000 tons, according to Interfax, cited by the same outlets.
President Donald Trump has framed the agreement as a step to lower fuel prices ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, a point highlighted by the Independent’s coverage of his broader policy moves.
How it came about
The shipment follows President Trump’s Oct. 9 announcement that Russia would immediately export 300,000 tons of diesel to the United States, with further deliveries slated for November and beyond. Earlier Felo News reporting detailed the deal’s announcement (Trump announces deal with Putin to supply Russian diesel to US) and the subsequent strike on Zaporizhzhia that intensified criticism of the pact (Russian strikes kill civilians in Zaporizhzhia after Trump diesel deal). The Agioi Fanendes’ departure marks the first physical fulfillment of that agreement.
Key facts
- The Malta‑flagged tanker Agioi Fanendes is carrying 40,000 metric tons of Russian diesel. (independent.co.uk)
- The cargo was loaded at Primorsk on Oct. 22, 2024. (independent.co.uk)
- The vessel is expected to arrive in New York on Nov. 7, 2024. (fortune.com)
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the tanker had sailed and regular supplies will continue. (fortune.com)
- Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed the shipment size of 40,000 tons. (independent.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2026-10-09 — President Trump announced immediate Russian diesel exports of 300,000 tons to the US.
- 2026-10-22 — The Agioi Fanendes loaded 40,000 tons of diesel at Primorsk.
- 2026-10-23 — The tanker departed for New York, the first US delivery since July 2023.
Why it matters
The shipment signals a reversal of U.S. sanctions policy on Russian fuel amid domestic fuel‑price pressures.
What happens next
The tanker is slated to dock in New York on Nov. 7, after which further diesel deliveries are expected under the Trump‑Putin agreement.
Sources
- [1] fortune.com
- [2] independent.co.uk
- [3] independent.co.uk
- [4] foxbusiness.com
