Category: Economy
Tags: Economy, Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, White House
President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring Russian diesel into the United States, but the arrangement appeared to be unraveling after political pressure prompted tankers to alter course.
Three diesel tankers had been headed toward the United States. Two changed direction last week, while a third vessel that had listed New York as its destination was awaiting further instructions in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Eugene Goncharov, policy director for the American Coalition for Ukraine, said the shipments were not expected to provide meaningful relief at American fuel pumps. He also said the vessels had not secured buyers or ports willing to receive their cargoes.
“None of them have been able to find a port that is willing to take them in,” Goncharov said.
Julian Hayda said bringing the Russian diesel into the country could violate federal law. Senators also said the proposed imports would break U.S. law and called on the White House to abandon the arrangement.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill sent a letter last week warning ports against accepting the fuel. Sherrill opposed the deal, arguing that purchases of Russian diesel would continue providing money to Russia during its invasion of Ukraine.
“New Jersey will not stand by while Donald Trump supports Vladimir Putin at the expense of Americans,” Sherrill said.