VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s Ministry for Sustainable Mobility has defended the transport of Russian diesel to the United States aboard a Maltese-registered vessel, emphasizing that such shipments are not prohibited, provided they comply with applicable sanctions and legal exemptions. The Maltese-flagged ship Agioi Fanendes departed Russia carrying approximately 40,000 tons of diesel bound for New York. This marks the first import of Russian fuel into the United States since 2022. The vessel left the Russian port of Primorsk between Thursday night and Friday morning and is expected to reach the United States around November 7—just days after the U.S. midterm elections.

The shipment follows an announcement made earlier this month by U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that an agreement had been reached with Russian President Vladimir Putin to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports. The Maltese Ministry for Sustainable Mobility clarified that the transport of Russian petroleum products to third countries is not inherently prohibited, provided that applicable legal exemptions, price-cap requirements, and other EU-mandated obligations are met. “Malta expects and ensures that EU and United Nations sanctions are fully respected and enforced,” the Ministry stated, adding that all vessels flying the Maltese flag are required to comply with legally enacted sanctions—without exception—unless a recognized exemption applies.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews