Expected Russian Diesel Tanker Arrives With Fertilizer

The Greek-flagged tanker Minerva Zen arrived near Wilmington, North Carolina, amid reports it was bringing Russian diesel to the United States, but subsequent vessel and cargo tracking identified its load as liquid fertilizer, not fuel. The ship left St. Petersburg before President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Vladimir Putin to expand Russian diesel supplies, so its voyage was not evidence of a shipment arranged under that deal. The administration authorized certain Russian diesel sales and imports through April 2027, citing high fuel costs, while Ukrainian Americans and Ukrainian officials have warned that Russian energy revenue could help finance Moscow’s war. Analysts have also questioned whether Russia can export enough diesel to meaningfully ease shortages or lower U.S. prices, given constraints on its refining industry and declining exports.