Seven Russian tankers shipping diesel to US identified, located, media reports
Greenpeace Ukraine identified the tankers as the Taurus, Pvt Azura, Agioi Fanendes, Talisman, Leruo, Iblea, and Primorye. Three of these vessels, the Talisman, Leruo, and Primorye, are currently sanctioned by multiple countries as part of Russia's "shadow fleet" illegally exporting oil, according to Ukraine's war sanctions portal. The Talisman has been under U.S. sanctions since January 2025.
On October 29, Greenpeace Ukraine announced the identities and locations of seven Russian tankers carrying 288,000 metric tons of diesel bound for the United States. The tankers, listed as the Taurus, Pvt Azura, Agioi Fanendes, Talisman, Leruo, Iblea, and Primorye, were tracked by Greenpeace's live map across the Atlantic. Greenpeace's Polina Kolodiazhna expressed concern that each Russian diesel shipment fuels more attacks, destruction, and deaths in Ukraine.
She added that these shipments violate international sanctions and send a dangerous message that business with Russia can continue as usual during its ongoing war against Ukraine.
The tankers, including the Talisman, Leruo, and Primorye, are sanctioned by multiple countries for illegally exporting oil. The Talisman has been under U.S. sanctions since January 2025. It is anticipated that these vessels will arrive in the U.S. in early November, though the specific ports remain uncertain. In September, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree limiting access to data on oil refineries and energy exports, complicating efforts to monitor and sanction shadow fleet vessels. This secrecy aids in evading sanctions.
On October 9, President Donald Trump announced temporary permission for the sale of Russian diesel to lower oil costs amid the Iran war. This decision sparked international backlash from Ukraine and its allies, as well as U.S. lawmakers. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, warned shipping companies transporting the Russian diesel to the U.S. to turn back or face violating U.S. sanctions.
Blumenthal emphasized that diesel shipments are prohibited under the 2022 Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act, enacted by former President Joe Biden following the invasion of Ukraine. Trump's deal with Putin does not override this law, according to Blumenthal.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, indicated she was contemplating blocking the Russian tankers from entering the state's ports. Sherrill criticized Trump's diesel deal with Putin, stating it benefits Putin's pockets at the expense of American consumers and Ukraine. She emphasized that Trump's actions are corrupt and illegal, and she is exploring options to prevent the tankers from reaching New Jersey ports.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
