Russian diesel flows toward US under Trump-Putin deal

· Energy · Russia · United States

Seven oil tankers carrying an estimated 288,000 tonnes of Russian diesel were sailing toward the US, tracked by Greenpeace, in the first phase of a Trump-Putin deal, though it is uncertain whether they will be able to unload amid a political row. Russia will extend its diesel export ban until the end of the year while allowing some companies to ship fuel under a quota system to meet its new export commitment to the US, sources said. The US is reportedly considering ways to convert sanctioned "dark tankers" into legitimate vessels, a move critics say could undermine Western pressure on Moscow and help fund its war in Ukraine.

Why it matters：Easing sanctions enforcement to secure a deal could erode the price-cap coalition and change how Russian energy revenue flows into the war effort.

Key points

  • Seven tankers carrying about 288,000 tonnes of diesel headed to the US.
  • Russia will extend its diesel export ban to year-end with quota exceptions.
  • Washington is reportedly weighing converting dark tankers into legitimate vessels.

Sources (original reporting)

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