Russian diesel tanker sails to US despite Ukraine's objections

The first tanker carrying Russian diesel to the United States under a new import agreement has set sail, the Kremlin confirmed Friday, marking a policy reversal amid Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. The 40,000-ton shipment, roughly 300,000 barrels, is headed to New York and expected Nov. 7, the first such delivery since July 2023. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said regular supplies will continue, with the deal aimed at addressing U.S. fuel prices ahead of midterm elections. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the decision "a weak decision by strong partners," while energy experts say the volume, about 7% of daily U.S. diesel consumption, is unlikely to lower prices. Separately, Moscow airports halted flights due to drone attacks, and Russia and Ukraine exchanged 270 prisoners each.