Business · Energy & Commodities · 3 hrs ago
Two Russian Diesel Tankers Bound for the U.S. Change Course
Two tankers carrying Russian diesel to the United States have changed course, putting a deal announced by President Donald Trump in doubt.
The ships are among three cargoes that Russia was expected to send to the U.S.; one has signaled Brazil as its destination, while another has diverted to the Mediterranean.
The third tanker may also divert, an analyst said, citing regulatory, legislative and sanctions issues.
Trump said Russia would immediately supply 300,000 tons of diesel, with more shipments to follow, after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
U.S. buyers have declined the cargoes amid legal threats, including a warning that New Jersey port operators could face large fines for unloading Russian diesel.
The initial shipment would cover only three-quarters of U.S. daily diesel use, and a Senate committee has ordered companies involved to preserve documents ahead of oversight inquiries expected after Democrats take control of Congress in January.
Two of three Russian diesel cargoes bound for the United States have diverted to other destinations, according to a trade intelligence analyst cited by the Financial Times.
The diversions cast doubt on a diesel deal announced by President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
American buyers have declined to receive the cargoes amid legal threats from state and federal officials.
A third tanker may also change course because of regulatory, legislative and sanctions issues, the analyst said.
The deal drew criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies, who said it would bolster Russia’s economy and strain transatlantic relations.
- Who
- Two of three tankers carrying Russian diesel, including the Leruo and Talisman, changed course.
- What
- The ships diverted from planned U.S. deliveries to other destinations. A third tanker may also change course.
- When
- The Financial Times reported the diversions on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
- Where
- Leruo signaled Brazil; Talisman diverted to the Mediterranean and signaled “for orders” off Algeria.
- Why
- American buyers declined the cargoes amid legal threats, and the analyst cited regulatory, legislative and sanctions issues.
Trump and Russian officials
Ukrainian President Zelensky and European allies
Effect of the deal
Trump and Russian officials
Trump said Russia would supply diesel to the United States and global markets.
Ukrainian President Zelensky and European allies
They argued the agreement would bolster Russia’s economy.
International relations
Trump and Russian officials
The deal was announced after a call between Trump and Putin.
Ukrainian President Zelensky and European allies
They said it would strain transatlantic relations.
Trump announced the diesel deal with Russia after a phone call with President Vladimir Putin.
Russia partially lifted a diesel export ban introduced during the summer because of domestic shortages.
The Financial Times reported that two of three Russian diesel cargoes bound for the United States had diverted.
- Diverted cargoes
- 2 of 3 Russian diesel cargoes bound for the U.S.
- Leruo
- Signaled Brazil
- Talisman
- Diverted to the Mediterranean; signaled “for orders” off Algeria
- Initial promised supply
- 300,000 tons of diesel
- Further promised supply
- 500,000 metric tons in November, followed by 1 million metric tons thereafter
3 sources
What people are saying
two of the three Russian diesel cargoes bound for the U.S. have now diverted to other destinations.
due to regulatory, legislative and sanction issues
immediately