Three Tankers Carry Diesel to US Coast

Three tankers loaded with Russian diesel are moving toward North American waters.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced on Friday that the vessels are part of a new fuel arrangement. The deal allows Russian companies to supply 500,000 metric tonnes of fuel to US and global markets during October. Novak stated that the first three ships are already en route to the Atlantic eastern coast. He noted that the Russian Direct Investment Fund is providing support for the shipments. US President Donald Trump announced the arrangement earlier this month. Under the terms, Russia agrees to lower global fuel prices by increasing diesel supply. In exchange, the US temporarily lifts sanctions on Russian fuel.

Reuters reported that one of the vessels, the Malta-flagged medium tanker Agioi Fanendes, carries ultra-low sulphur diesel. The ship is expected to reach the United States on November 7. The White House confirmed that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky. Both sides will halt military operations in the city starting October 27. This pause allows for aid delivery and preparations for civilian evacuation. Russian and Ukrainian officials described the progress as close to final agreement.

Oleshky, located in southern Ukraine, has been under Russian control since February 2022. Residents report severe shortages of food, water, and electricity. An estimated 2,000 people remain in the city. Some survivors are reportedly subsisting on weeds, boiled grass, and bread. The United States is organizing fresh talks to end the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the US have agreed to hold technical-level meetings in the first half of November in Abu Dhabi. A US official added that the three countries might meet again in a couple of weeks, either in Abu Dhabi or Switzerland. Zelenskyy expressed hope that a meeting of national leaders would follow.

The diplomatic effort follows recent tensions between Washington and Kyiv. Recent moves by the US, including limits on the Starlink communication system, were viewed as favoring Russia. Trump said on Friday that he would resolve Ukraine's access issues if needed, potentially raising the matter with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. In Europe, EU leaders urged UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to contribute more to Ukraine's defense during a summit in Brussels. The UK government is set to present its first budget under Burnham's leadership next week. EU officials also indicated that Canada and Japan should increase their support for Ukraine.

The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that repairs to key power infrastructure near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant are complete. The work was done under a temporary ceasefire brokered by the IAEA. The repairs strengthened the plant's connection to the Ferosplavna-1 external power line. This reduces the risk of another loss of off-site electricity at Europe's largest nuclear power station.