U.S. Senator Calls Out Greek Shipowner Over Cargo of Russian Diesel
"Should the Agioi Fanendes [arrive] and discharge its cargo, you would be engaged in an illegal transaction or aiding and abetting it," wrote Blumenthal.
Like earlier warnings from Congress, Sen. Blumenthal's letter cites the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act of 2022, which banned all Russian energy products from the United States. Waiving the Act would require the consent of Congress and the president's certification that the war in Ukraine is over - circumstances which have not yet occurred. Critics of the diesel deal suggest that since the Act has not been waived, Russian fuel imports are therefore against the law, a point which the senator reiterated.
"We recognize that the Treasury Department issued General License No. 135 which [purports] to authorize transactions for Russia's diesel exports, but no such license can supersede clear, unambiguous law," Sen. Blumenthal wrote. "Neither could any executive action unilaterally override statutory letter and intent."
I’m sending a sledgehammer message to shipping companies whose tankers are transporting illegal Russian diesel to our ports. Reverse course while there’s still time. https://t.co/4sViosX3nM
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) October 28, 2026
Blumenthal requested the shipowner provide detailed information on the cargo, including the seller, purchaser, charterer, insurer, and terminal operator. He also asked for details on what direction the tanker owner had received from the Treasury Department, which oversees sanctions compliance.
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Two other tankers departed St. Petersburg with claimed diesel cargoes in the same timeframe, also headed for North America. TankerTrackers.com assesses that despite public claims, these two ships are actually carrying Russian-origin UAN fertilizer, a substance not covered by sanctions and fully authorized for import into the United States.
Top image: VesselFinder / Lounes Mehdid
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