The key facts

  • Three of the four tankers carrying Russian diesel changed course toward Egypt and Brazil.
  • One Greek vessel continues toward US ports, but its final route has not been confirmed.
  • Dmitry Peskov stated that the fuel will be sold despite threats of sanctions from the United States.

Tankers carrying Russian diesel change course

Tankers that had previously been heading to the United States with Russian diesel fuel have adjusted their routes. According to Marine Traffic data, the vessel Talisman, flying the Russian flag, is heading to Alexandria in Egypt, while the tankers Leruo and Beast, flying the flag of Sierra Leone, are moving toward Brazil. At present, only one vessel is still heading toward American ports — the Greek tanker Agioi Fanendes, which is located roughly a thousand kilometers from New Jersey, but its final destination has not yet been determined.

Official position and context of the deal

On November 5, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov commented on the situation with the route changes, noting that the details of the vessels' routes are not public, while assuring that “all the diesel will find its buyers.” Earlier, American officials warned ports about possible sanctions for accepting Russian diesel fuel. The Russian Foreign Ministry had previously expressed the view that this deal could contribute to improving relations between Russia and the United States.