Tankers carrying Russian diesel change course, raising doubts about shipments to U.S.

PBS NewsHour · 2026-11-06 00:17 UTC

President Donald Trump's plan to allow imports of Russian diesel appeared to falter this week after state and federal officials warned that handling any shipments could bring legal consequences and two tankers initially bound for the United States changed course.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — President Donald Trump's plan to allow imports of Russian diesel appeared to falter this week after state and federal officials warned that handling any shipments could bring legal consequences and two tankers initially bound for the United States changed course.

Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Oct. 9 to make more than 300,000 metric tons of Russia's diesel available immediately to U.S. and global markets, with larger shipments to follow. The U.S. banned Russian energy imports after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and the deal angered some lawmakers and foreign allies.

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