Russian diesel tanker heads to US after Trump-Putin deal draws criticism

The Greek-flagged tanker MINERVA ZEN, carrying about 275,000 barrels of Russian diesel, is expected to reach the US East Coast this week after leaving St Petersburg in late September. The shipment follows a deal between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin, though the cargo’s movement was not publicized, likely for security reasons. US lawmakers and European officials have criticized the agreement, arguing it would enable Moscow to fund its military and prolong aggression against Ukraine. European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas warned that suspending sanctions on Russian diesel would give Moscow more revenues to wage war. Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the US lifting of the embargo on Russian fuel “sickening,” while blaming Ukraine for price spikes linked to the Strait of Hormuz closure. US negotiators reportedly offered Russia three economic incentives: releasing billions in frozen Russian assets (possibly up to $100 billion), a multibillion-dollar sale of parts of oil giant Lukoil to Middle Eastern investors, and a proposal allowing Belarus to export potash. Ukraine said it would accept the deal only with guarantees, including payments from seized Russian assets and additional military aid if Moscow breaches a truce. While the article does not mention Nigeria directly, shifts in global oil supply and pricing often affect fuel costs and export revenues for oil-producing nations like Nigeria. Will you monitor how such international oil moves might influence local fuel prices or Nigeria’s economy, and consider adjusting your budget or energy choices accordingly?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/11/russian-diesel-cargo-heads-for-us-after-trump-putin-deal/