Russian deputy prime minister Alexander Novak announced that three tankers carrying diesel are traveling toward North America as part of an arrangement involving the Russian Direct Investment Fund. The shipments represent an initial phase of a broader agreement announced this month under which Russian companies would supply 500,000 metric tonnes of diesel to US and global markets. In exchange, the United States agreed to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian fuel, with the stated objective of reducing fuel prices internationally. One Malta-flagged tanker is expected to reach the US east coast on 7 November.
Meanwhile, the White House reported that Russian and Ukrainian forces have agreed to a localized ceasefire in Oleshky, a southern Ukrainian city under Russian occupation since February 2022. The halt in military operations is scheduled to begin on 27 October and last through the delivery of humanitarian assistance and civilian evacuations. Residents of the city have endured severe shortages of food, water, and electricity, with approximately 2,000 people reported to remain in the area under increasingly difficult conditions.
The Oleshky ceasefire coincides with broader diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States have scheduled technical-level meetings for the first half of November in Abu Dhabi, with potential discussions also planned for Switzerland. US officials indicated talks could occur within the coming couple of weeks. Zelenskyy expressed hope that a leaders’ summit would follow the technical discussions.
These developments come amid recent tensions between Washington and Kyiv, including limitations placed on Ukraine’s access to Starlink communication systems used for defensive purposes. Trump indicated he would address any continuing problems with the system and would contact SpaceX CEO Elon Musk if necessary. European Union leaders, meanwhile, have called on the UK government and other allied nations to increase their contributions to Ukraine’s defence capabilities.
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