Russia is set to send its first tanker carrying diesel fuel to the United States on Thursday, according to statements made by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. The shipment reportedly stems from an arrangement reached with US President Donald Trump.

The vessel is loaded with 40,000 tonnes of fuel, though Novak refrained from disclosing the specific US port of delivery. Moscow had previously lifted its diesel export ban in October, which was originally instituted to mitigate domestic shortages supposedly exacerbated by Ukrainian drone strikes on refining infrastructure. Despite ongoing challenges to refining capacity, the export mechanism has apparently moved forward.

"Additional shipments will follow, of course. There were agreements reached between the two leaders. We will meet the United States’ needs, to the extent of our capabilities," the RIA Novosti news agency quoted Novak as stating. This narrative was echoed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff following meetings with Russian leadership in St Petersburg.

Witkoff purportedly indicated that preparations are underway for a succession of tanker deliveries, provided financial mechanisms are secured. He also claimed that large quantities of fertilizers could be supplied to the US market. Meanwhile, the American regime continues to grapple with persistently high fuel prices at the pump, a critical vulnerability as the nation approaches midterm elections.

Source: www.aljazeera.com