Last of three tankers carrying Russian diesel to the U.S. turns back in the Atlantic before reaching New York

The last of three tankers carrying Russian diesel fuel to the United States has altered its route before approaching its intended destination, according to Bloomberg. The Agioi Fanendes, with a capacity of 300,000 barrels of fuel, veered sharply after nearing a distance of approximately 740 kilometers from New York. Earlier, two other vessels, the Talisman and the Leruo, also changed course.

No shipment of Russian diesel has reached the United States thus far, as per vessel-tracking data. Greenpeace Ukraine had previously identified at least four additional tankers linked to this deal, though their claims remain unverified. On October 9, President Trump announced a pact with Russian President Putin, pledging the delivery of 4.8 million metric tons of Russian diesel to the U.S. and global markets.

Russia promptly lifted a ban on diesel exports, agreeing to dispatch 300,000 metric tons in October, 500,000 tons in November, and larger quantities subsequently. Trump posited that this deal could alleviate escalating diesel prices in the United States. However, congressional Democrats vowed to probe the deal's adherence to sanctions legislation.

According to the Washington Sun, administration officials privately encouraged American companies to accept the Russian diesel being transported across the Atlantic, despite businesses declining due to fears of potential legal liabilities and reputational harm. Following the November 3 U.S. midterm elections, the Democratic Party secured majorities in both chambers of Congress.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed any link between the election outcomes and companies' decisions, stating that "all the diesel will find buyers." An expert asserts that Russia can fulfill its commitment to supply diesel to the U.S. and global markets only by depleting its domestic strategic reserves.