The Russian Deputy Prime Minister confirmed that Russia will deliver the first batch of diesel fuel to the United States this Thursday, following an agreement reached by the leaders of both countries two weeks ago.
Foreign news agencies reported that Alexander Novak, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, revealed that his country will send the first diesel tanker to the United States on Thursday, 22 Oct 2026, after reaching an agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump two weeks earlier.
Under the agreement, the United States has temporarily eased sanctions on Russian oil, allowing Russia to export oil to the global market again. Meanwhile, Moscow has lifted its diesel export ban, which was imposed to address domestic shortages caused by Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries.
Novak stated on Wednesday that the tanker will carry 40,000 tons of fuel and added that the paperwork for the shipment is nearly complete.
According to Russia’s RIA news agency, Novak confirmed, “There will certainly be further shipments following the agreement between the two leaders. We will meet the United States’ demand within our capacity.”
Trump indicated that Russia would immediately export 300,000 tons, approximately 2.25 million barrels, followed by another 500,000 tons in November and an additional 1 million tons "immediately thereafter." However, it remains uncertain whether Russia can meet these volumes, given its need to manage domestic demand.
This development comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff during his visit.
During discussions in Saint Petersburg, Witkoff expressed gratitude to Putin for lifting export restrictions, while Putin noted that global diesel prices dropped by 5% to 6% after the agreement was reached.
“This is an example of cooperation between us. I want to thank you for this,” Witkoff said in a television interview. Putin added that Russia’s first diesel tanker would depart within two to three days.
“We are preparing shipments with multiple tankers that will depart continuously, which will require financial support,” Putin said, adding that Russia would also be able to supply large quantities of chemical fertilizers to the U.S. market.
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Source:cna