Putin Sets Two-to-Three-Day Window for First Russian Diesel Tanker to U.S.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Oct. 21 that a tanker carrying diesel for the U.S. market is being prepared to leave in two or three days, shifting the timetable previously announced by his deputy.

Putin put the first cargo at 40,000 tons. He said several vessels were being prepared and tankers would depart one after another once financial arrangements were in place.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak had earlier said the first tanker would begin its trip Thursday, Oct. 22. He had said more shipments would follow while supply contracts were in their final stage of signing. The timing differs from the previously announced Oct. 22 departure plan.

Putin made the remarks during a meeting in St. Petersburg with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff thanked Putin for his decision to remove Russian diesel export controls, saying U.S. farmers and truckers who use diesel had been affected by the crisis.