The Kremlin said on Friday that the first tanker carrying Russian diesel fuel under a deal between Moscow and Washington had departed for its intended buyers.
“As I understand it, there have already been reports from the Ministry of Energy that the first tanker is, in fact, on its way to its intended recipients – its buyers. And from here on, these shipments will continue on a regular basis,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
His remarks came two days after Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Moscow and Washington were finalising contracts for diesel supplies, with the first tanker scheduled to depart for the United States on Thursday.
Novak said the tanker would carry 40,000 tonnes of Russian diesel to the US, adding that further shipments would follow and that Russia would meet American demand within its available supply capacity.
Trump announces wider supply agreement
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump announced a diesel supply agreement following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Under the arrangement, Moscow agreed to “immediately supply” more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the US and global markets, according to Trump.
He said Russia would supply a further 500,000 tonnes in November, followed by 1 million tonnes “immediately thereafter”.
Trump added that another 3 million tonnes would be delivered “within a short period,” depending on the condition of Russian diesel refineries.
Putin said Russian diesel supplies to US and global markets would benefit the world economy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised the deal, warning that easing restrictions on Russian diesel exports could help finance Moscow’s war effort.
