Russian Diesel Tankers Divert from US Coast

Two Russian diesel tankers, the Talisman and the Leruo, have abandoned their planned destinations on the US Atlantic Coast. The Talisman, sanctioned by the US, UK, and EU, diverted to the Mediterranean and is currently off the coast of Algeria. The Leruo, sanctioned by the UK, EU, and Canada, changed its destination to Brazil on November 2. While the Agioi Fanendes and Beast continue toward the US, the Agioi Fanendes is currently signaling for orders.

These diversions jeopardize a fuel arrangement announced on October 9 by Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to supply Russian diesel to American buyers. The deal promised an immediate release of over 300,000 metric tons of fuel, but the first shipment represented only 13% of that total. The United States Department of the Treasury had authorized transactions for the diesel through April 2027.

The arrangement has faced bipartisan criticism in Washington and strong condemnation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky argued that the deal would provide Russia with "additional money for this war against us, without question."