Russian diesel tanker sets sail for U.S. despite Ukraine's objections

The Kremlin confirmed Friday that the first tanker carrying Russian diesel to the United States has set sail, marking the initial shipment under a new import agreement despite Ukraine's protests. The vessel is expected to arrive in New York on Nov. 7. The 40,000-ton shipment, roughly 300,000 barrels, represents about 7% of U.S. daily diesel consumption. The deal reverses U.S. sanctions policy on Russia, with President Trump seeking to address high fuel prices ahead of midterm elections, though experts say it will have minimal impact on pump prices. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the decision "a weak decision by strong partners," while Moscow airports halted flights due to drone attacks. Russia and Ukraine also exchanged 270 prisoners of war each, the first such swap since August.