Three Russian Diesel Tankers Due at U.S. Ports Under Trump Waiver

Three tankers carrying about 140,000 metric tons of Russian diesel are due at U.S. ports Nov. 7-11 under a Trump sanctions waiver, raising legal and national security concerns.

The waiver arrangement between President Trump and Russian President Putin dates to Oct. 9. The Greek-flagged Agioi Fanendes is expected in New York on Nov. 7, while Talisman is due on the U.S. East Coast Nov. 9. Leruo is scheduled to reach the Atlantic coast Nov. 11.

Britain, the European Union and Canada have sanctioned Leruo. A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has written to executives at banks, ports and fuel distributors, warning the transactions may prompt lawsuits and congressional investigations. The senators warned that companies violating the rules could face criminal and civil liability.

If the first tanker unloads, it would mark the first Russian diesel or light diesel shipment to reach the United States since July 2023. The waiver is intended to ease pressure from rising U.S. diesel prices. Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries could affect output.