Trump aides push Russian diesel
The gist
Trump administration officials are privately urging U.S. businesses to accept Russian diesel already crossing the Atlantic.
The deal lifts sanctions on Moscow as midterms near, drawing pushback.
How it unfolded
- Oct 23, 2026The Malta-flagged tanker Agioi Fanendes loaded about 40,000 metric tons (roughly 300,000 barrels) of ultra-low-sulfur diesel at Russia's Primorsk port, intermittently signaling a U.S. destination and updating it to New York before changing it to "for orders"; estimated arrival Nov. 7.
- Oct 24, 2026Reports said Senate Democrats plan to investigate U.S. companies involved in the diesel deal, and Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick tabled the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026 to block Russian oil imports for good.
- Oct 29, 2026Reports said Trump administration officials are privately pushing U.S. businesses to accept Russian diesel already crossing the Atlantic as part of the "diesel deal."