Three tankers carrying approximately 140,000 tonnes of Russian diesel are reportedly heading towards the United States after Washington authorised certain imports, triggering criticism of Donald Trump’s Russia policy from senior Republicans.
Tankers reported on course for America
The Financial Times reported on 27 October that the vessels Agioi Fanendes, Talisman and Leruo are carrying Russian diesel towards potential US destinations. Two of the ships are subject to sanctions imposed by Western authorities, the newspaper said. Their declared destinations and estimated arrival dates are provisional.
The Agioi Fanendes loaded about 40,000 tonnes at Primorsk on 22 October. It had listed New York as a destination with an estimated arrival on 7 November, but subsequently changed its signal to ‘for orders’. That is not confirmation that it will unload in the US. The other ships were reported as due on the US East Coast later in November, subject to routing changes.
Treasury formally authorised Russian diesel imports
The US Treasury confirmed that its Office of Foreign Assets Control issued General Licence 135 on 9 October 2026. The licence authorises specified transactions involving the sale, delivery, offloading and importation of diesel fuel originating in Russia.
This is a significant change to US sanctions policy, but not a blanket lifting of every restriction on Russia’s energy sector. Nor does it override sanctions applicable in the United Kingdom, European Union or Canada. Banks, insurers, ports and ship operators must assess their particular legal exposure.
The Trump administration says the arrangement is intended to alleviate pressure on American fuel prices. The potential effect is disputed: an additional three cargoes represent only a small fraction of the US diesel market and there is no guarantee that they will materially reduce pump prices.
McConnell criticises accommodation of Putin
Republican senator Mitch McConnell attacked the president’s approach in a Wall Street Journal opinion article published on 25 October. He argued that reducing pressure on Moscow while it continues its war in Ukraine risks emboldening President Vladimir Putin.
McConnell called the president’s claim that Russia had behaved acceptably towards Ukraine ‘factually wrong, strategically naive and morally bankrupt’. He also questioned whether a limited quantity of imported Russian diesel would make a meaningful difference to fuel costs.
His criticism reflects a dispute within the Republican Party about using sanctions relief to encourage negotiations while Russian attacks continue. The White House says Trump is seeking a settlement that ends the killing.
Ukraine and the broader argument
In a Foreign Affairs essay dated 27 October, former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul argued that weakening sanctions and reducing US help to Ukraine could assist Moscow’s wider objectives. That is McFaul’s political and strategic assessment, rather than evidence of secret Russian control over American policy.
The economic concern is that renewed purchases generate revenue for Russian suppliers while Ukraine remains at war. Supporters of the policy argue that fuel prices and diplomatic opportunities also have to be considered. The full financial and military consequences cannot yet be quantified.
What we know and what remains uncertain
- Confirmed: the US Treasury issued General Licence 135 on 9 October.
- Reported: three vessels carrying about 140,000 tonnes were heading towards possible US ports as of 27 October.
- Not confirmed: that the vessels will all deliver their cargo to American buyers.
- Not established: that the shipments will significantly lower pump prices or alter Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.
Video: Michael McFaul discusses Trump’s Russia policy
In the following MSNBC interview, former ambassador McFaul discusses his interpretation of current US policy. His comments are analysis, not an official intelligence finding.
