The key facts
- Steve Whitkoff thanked Putin for the diesel export decisions, calling them beneficial for US farmers and truck drivers
- The US lifted sanctions on Russian diesel for six months, until April 7; Trump spoke of deliveries of more than 300,000 tons of diesel
- The first tanker with 40,000 tons of fuel will leave port on October 22, Alexander Novak said
The envoy's gratitude
US presidential special envoy Steve Whitkoff, during talks in St. Petersburg, thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for decisions concerning diesel fuel exports. His remarks were cited by RIA Novosti. 'For this decision, our president is extremely grateful to you, because such a decision makes it possible to improve the lives and working conditions of our farmers, our truck drivers,' Whitkoff said. He added that it is a very good decision, since the whole world is going through a period of economic shock.
Background of the agreements
On October 9, Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation. The American leader called it very successful and noted that Russia would soon supply the US with more than 300,000 tons of diesel and 500,000 tons of fuel to international markets. The US Treasury announced that Washington lifted sanctions on diesel from Russia for six months — until April 7.
First delivery
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the first tanker with Russian diesel fuel for the United States would leave port on October 22. It will carry the first batch of 40,000 tons. Earlier, Putin also spoke of complex proposals from Trump.
