First Russian diesel tanker departs under US supply deal: Kremlin

MOSCOW (MNTV) – The Kremlin announced Friday that the first shipment of Russian diesel fuel under a recently negotiated agreement with the United States has left for its buyers, with further deliveries expected to follow.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the departure during a news briefing, citing information previously released by Russia’s Energy Ministry.

He said the initial tanker was already heading toward its destination and that shipments would continue regularly under the agreement.

The announcement follows remarks Wednesday by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who said Moscow and Washington were completing contractual arrangements for diesel exports.

Novak had indicated that the first vessel would leave Thursday carrying 40,000 tons of diesel destined for the US.

He also said Russia intended to fulfill additional American orders, subject to its production and supply capabilities.

The arrangement was announced earlier this month by US President Donald Trump following a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Under the agreement, Moscow committed to supplying more than 300,000 tons of diesel to the United States and international markets in the initial phase.

Trump said another 500,000 tons would be delivered in November, followed by an additional 1 million tons shortly afterward.

He also outlined plans for a further 3 million tons of fuel shipments, although the timing would depend on the operational condition of Russian refineries.

Putin welcomed the agreement, arguing that increased Russian diesel supplies to American and international markets would support the global economy.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the arrangement, raising concerns that relaxing restrictions on Russian fuel exports could generate additional revenue for Moscow’s military campaign against Ukraine.