Officials in Donald Trump’s administration have been privately urging US companies to accept Russian diesel fuel that is currently being shipped across the Atlantic.
Despite these appeals, the energy sector fears legal and reputational risks, The Washington Sun reports.
In mid-October, at least three vessels carrying Russian fuel set off for the United States after Donald Trump signed an executive order lifting sanctions on Russian diesel. The tankers are expected to arrive after the midterm congressional elections, but the cargo’s final destination remains unknown. Moscow and Washington are offering substantial discounts to find buyers, but US companies are refusing to do deals. Experts suggest that, due to the lack of buyers in the US, the tankers could be redirected to Brazil.
Representatives of the Democratic Party stress that Trump’s executive order violates sanctions legislation, as the relevant measure was passed by Congress. Senators and members of Congress have already sent letters to ports, banks and fuel companies warning of criminal liability and possible investigations if they purchase the Russian product. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said she is seeking legal mechanisms to block the arrival of the tanker Agioi Fanendes at the local port, calling the deal corrupt.
The White House did not comment, while the US Treasury Department insisted that the general licence issued is consistent with previous practice and current law. Energy Secretary Chris Wright explained the decision as an attempt to increase fuel volumes on the global market and bring Russia into talks on the war in Ukraine.
- At the start of this month, Trump said he had reached an agreement with Putin for Russian diesel supplies to the American and global markets.
- According to him, Russia will deliver more than 300,000 tonnes of fuel “immediately”, a further 500,000 tonnes during November, and 1 million tonnes straight after that.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy said afterwards that any easing of sanctions against Russia without a clear and lasting de-escalation agreement is an obvious sign of weakness, and Russia will inflict even more damage and losses on the world.