Russia sends first diesel tanker to US under Trump-Putin deal

Russia has dispatched its first tanker carrying 40,000 tons of diesel to the United States following a controversial deal between President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump, with further shipments planned. The move comes amid sharp international criticism over the agreement, which temporarily suspends sanctions on Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov confirmed the shipment from Moscow, following Putin's announcement on Wednesday during a meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg. Russia may also export diesel to other countries once its refinery capacity fully recovers by year-end, according to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Nowak. The October 2026 deal, which Washington says helps lower global fuel prices, has drawn condemnation from the EU, Ukraine, Germany, and some US lawmakers. Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries had previously prompted export bans, with Trump blaming Kyiv for rising gasoline prices ahead of November congressional elections.