Ukrainian government sources told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) that they were tracking eight tankers carrying more than 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel fuel. Seven vessels listed the United States as their destination, according to the sources, while an eighth, the Athina M., might also be heading to US ports.
The Ukrainian sources named the Leruo, Primorye, Manta and Feliks and said those four vessels were listed under European Union, British and Ukrainian sanctions. That designation does not by itself establish that their cargoes were discharged in the United States.
The outlet could not confirm that the tanker Taurus had discharged diesel near Wilmington. It also could not establish who had purchased the cargo aboard the Agioi Fanendes or at which terminal it might be unloaded. Some vessels were expected to arrive between November 7 and 18. A declared route does not mean a delivery has taken place.
Separately, the advocacy groups American Coalition for Ukraine and Razom were monitoring 13 ships potentially linked to shipments of Russian fuel. Their list is not identical to the eight-vessel list RFE/RL obtained from Ukrainian sources.
New Jersey's governor warned port operators of potential legal risks associated with accepting Russian diesel. The legal interpretation of existing US Treasury authorizations remains contested, however, and the governor's warning does not verify the routes of all eight vessels.