Seven oil tankers carrying 288,000 tonnes of Russian diesel sail towards US

Seven oil tankers loaded with an estimated 288,000 tonnes of Russian diesel are currently en route to the United States, according to a Greenpeace monitoring exercise. This marks the initial phase of a controversial supply agreement between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, which reversed years of sanctions on Russian oil.

The tankers, tracked by Greenpeace, were previously reported to number three, but further sources suggest the total might be seven. Energy specialist Shaun Burnie of Greenpeace Ukraine argued that with the tankers' locations now pinpointable on a map, the shipments should be halted by Congress or local authorities in the US. Burnie called for more punitive sanctions against Russia, believing these shipments should not be rewarded for Russia's war against Ukraine.

The first tanker, Taurus, is closest to the US, while five others are near the UK, and three have crossed or entered the English Channel. In Ukraine, at least 14 people were killed on Thursday when a Russian drone attacked a crowded train platform in the city of Dnipro. The deal, announced on October 9, involves Russia supplying the US with 1.8 million tonnes of diesel, with 300,000 tonnes delivered immediately.

President Trump granted a six-month waiver on existing sanctions to facilitate the shipments. However, the legality of the deal has been questioned, with US lawmakers warning banks and port authorities that they could face investigations and legal action if they handle the Russian diesel. The White House has reportedly been encouraging US firms to take the oil, but given the legal risks, it remains uncertain if buyers will emerge before the upcoming midterm elections.