Russian diesel tanker sails to US despite Ukraine protests

The first tanker carrying Russian diesel to the United States under a new import agreement has set sail, the Kremlin confirmed Friday, despite Ukraine's protests over the policy reversal. The 40,000-ton shipment, roughly 300,000 barrels, is headed to New York and marks the first Russian diesel delivery to the U.S. since July 2023. The move reverses sanctions policy following President Trump's deal with Putin, aimed at addressing high fuel prices before midterm elections. Energy experts say the volume, about 7% of daily U.S. diesel consumption, will barely impact pump prices. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called the decision "weak," while Moscow airports briefly halted flights due to drone attacks and both sides exchanged 270 prisoners of war.